Think spearheads Champion line-up
So You Think will attempt to regain the winning thread in a field of 12 for the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Aidan O’Brien’s giant Australian import could only finish fourth in the Arc, his second defeat since moving to Ballydoyle after coming up just short in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.
He was ridden by Seamie Heffernan in France but Ryan Moore will be reunited with the five-year-old at the weekend.
John Gosden has declared his impressive King George winner Nathaniel.
Having missed the Arc two weeks ago on account of the fast ground, Gosden will be anxiously watching the skies for rain.
Sir Henry Cecil’s Twice Over, winner of the race for the past two seasons when it was run at its former home of Newmarket, will be trying to make it a hat-trick.
After a couple of lacklustre runs earlier in the season, the six-year-old bounced back to his best to win the Juddmonte International at York, giving owner Khalid Abdullah his first win in a race he has sponsored for over 20 years.
A close second that day was stable companion Midday, and the durable mare will once again be in opposition.
Ian Mongan, who rode Twice Over at York, renews partnership, with stable jockey Tom Queally staying loyal to Midday.
Ed Dunlop has decided to run Snow Fairy after her blinding effort in the Arc when she finished in front of So You Think.
Dunlop has booked Olivier Peslier, who teamed up with the trainer to win the 2006 Prince of Wales’s Stakes on Ouija Board.
Mahmood Al Zarooni will have two representatives, the unbeaten Dubai Prince, trained by Dermot Weld last year, and Group One winner Casamento.
Frankie Dettori has plumped for the potential of Dubai Prince rather than the proven form of Casamento, who will be ridden by Richard Hughes.
Wigmore Hall put behind him a string of unlucky efforts with a win in the Northern Dancer Stakes at Woodbine and has his first run in this country since finishing fifth in this 12 months ago.
The sole challenger from France is the consistent Cirrus Des Aigles, trained by Corrine Barande-Barbe.
Kieren Fallon will ride Green Destiny for William Haggas having won two Group Three events on his last two outings.
Charlie Hills’ Ransom Note and the Roger Varian-trained Sri Putra complete a competitive field.
