15th Oct 2016 | Horse Racing
Champion Stakes Tip: Almanzor
Ran the fastest closing sectional at Leopardstown this season when winning the Champion Stakes and should confirm his superiority in ideal conditions.
The QIPCO Champions Stakes brings together an excellent field which will determine the best middle distance horse in Europe. Almanzor controversially skipped the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe but Jean-Claude Rouget could be proven right in the 3.45 Ascot.
The 3-year-old started his campaign in low-key fashion finishing third at Chantilly but since then he’s flourished; the step up to 10f has been the making of him. He’s unbeaten in four starts at 9f-10.5f and his win in the Irish Champions Stakes was deeply impressive.
Travelling better than anything in the field, he came from last to first with a blistering turn of foot. He covered the final 2f in 24.14s, the fastest closing sectional at the track this season from 239 runners.
Almanzor comfortably held Found that day and although the latter won the Arc, she only has a 13-day turnaround and a different trip to contend with.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 07:33 15th Oct, 2016 but subject to change
