Qipco Champions Day: Ascot tips and race guide
This guide expands on our Champion Day selections and explains how to read the form, assess conditions and make informed betting choices for the big Ascot card.
Content is for readers aged 18+ and aims to inform rather than encourage wagering; always gamble responsibly and only with what you can afford to lose.
How to assess horses, form and Ascot track conditions
Looking beyond prices means analysing recent form, course experience, ground preference and jockey-trainer combinations to build a rounded view of each race.
We explain practical checks you can make pre-race and how to use those insights alongside bookmaker odds and market movement for smarter, evidence-led decisions.
With next month’s Breeders Cup at Keeneland now in sight, one of the final acts of this year’s flat season takes place on Saturday, as the cream of this season’s winners assemble at Ascot for Qipco Champions Day.
Casting our punter’s eye across the day for what should be a fitting denouement to a classic season at home, we have picked a winner from each race, either at a short or longer price.
British Champions Long Distance Cup
First up is the furthest trip of Champions Day, the Long Distance Cup. Will Trueshan finally shine? Denied more races after one of the hottest summers on record, Alan King’s 6yo was forced to drop out of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, with an injury then also seeing Trueshan’s withdrawal from the Lonsdale Cup at the Ebor Festival. Having run just four times this year, a five-win streak was broken at Glorious Goodwood by the indomitable Kyprios with a second defeat as 4/7f to Coltrane following at Doncaster last month. The French gelding and Hollie Doyle will be desperate to end the term on a high here.
Pivotally for the duo, rain has arrived to soften the going and with the turf slowed considerably, this is surely the time for redemption to end the season. Eldar Eldarov might be the sternest test but it should finally be victory at Ascot for Trueshan at 15/8.
British Champions Sprint
In the Champions Sprint over 6f, the powerhouse duo of Will Buick and Charlie Appleby look set to go off favourites with defending champion Creative Force, however, we are plumping for Rohaan to continue his sterling form in Berkshire. A winner here a fortnight ago, Rohaan memorably stormed through the field at Royal Ascot to snatch the Wokingham at a lofty price of 18/1 back in June.
Going for a third-straight win on the same track this weekend, though the 4yo may have finished a lowly 18th in this very race last year, 12 months maturity has seen the gelding come on leaps and bounds. Hovering between 9/2 and 4/1, a horse who has had four different jockeys this season looks to have found a bond with Adam Kirby. It could be a winning one again.
British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes
Having swerved the Godolphin colours in the sprint, we are however, backing Appleby and Buick to take the win in the Fillies and Mares Stakes, in the shape of Eternal Pearl.
Emily Upjohn may be the bookies’ choice, but the truth is, since her eye-opening win at Sandown and again at York in the spring, a runners-up finish behind Tuesday in the Oaks was then followed by flat last at the Jubilee meet in July – the 3yo’s last contest. Eternal Pearl, meanwhile, has won the last four races and is unbeaten since the end of June. A fresher option than Frankie Dettori on this particular filly, a 9/2 punt may be a shrewd call.
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
As pre-cursor to the main event, this year’s Queen Elizabeth II Stakes will of course have a poignant feel. A race first held in 1955, this first edition since her majesty’s passing will echo throughout the racing world. So what of a winner over a mile? Inspiral is our pick.
Currently evens in the markets, with six wins from seven, the British filly’s only minor blip came at Newmarket in a shock defeat in July, only weeks after destroying the field to win the Coronation Stakes. A close winner at Deauville last time out by a neck, Inspiral might have not it all her own way, but surely Frankie will steer another winner here?
Champion Stakes
And so to the main event. One word. Baaeed.
The Queen Anne; The Sussex; The Juddmonte; all claimed by William Haggas’ magical and undefeated 4yo colt this year. Since debuting in June 2021, Baaeed has taken down all challengers and here looks to defend the crown from last year.
Could Adayar sustain a threat? With just one ride under the belt for 2022, a win at Doncaster last month would have been good prep and there will be hopes that a fresher horse might challenge the might of the 2/7 heavy favourite after a long campaign. But can we see anything other than a Baaeed win? Nope.
Balmoral Handicap
Closing out Champions Day is the Balmoral, perhaps by some considerable way the most open race of the card. Our gut feeling is for Escobar to once more take on allcomers.
Of the 20-strong field currently set to race, only David O’Meara’s relative veteran won their last contest. Having somewhat book-ended the season with victory back in May at York, the 8yo timed a perfect surge at Ascot only weeks ago to pip Mum’s Tipple to the Challenge Cup.
With just those two wins in 11 for the season, Escobar took the Balmoral three years ago and with three placings during the year, has enjoyed steady progress.
Showing the sort of ticker last time out that have won many punters over throughout the last six years, Escobar looked to have plenty in the tank after a long season. If needing another dash to the winning post, Escobar’s price of 11/1 is at the very least worthy of an e/w bet.
Key factors to consider for long distance races
Long-distance contests demand stamina checks, race cadence evaluation and a clear view of how horses finish when races are run at a slower tempo.
Look for consistent staying form, proven performance on soft ground where applicable and jockeys who time late runs well over extended trips.
Assessing trainer and jockey influence at Ascot
Trainer form at Ascot and recent strikes show who sets a clear pattern of success, while jockey familiarity with a mount often improves timing and positioning.
Give weight to established combos and note when a talented trainer pairs a horse with a less experienced rider as that can affect finishing strength.
Sprint race dynamics: speed, draw and recent form
Sprint contests are shaped by early speed, stall draw and track bias; a fast horse drawn to exploit the rail can gain a decisive advantage in six-furlong races.
Check sectional times from recent runs, note whether a horse is a fast starter or a strong finisher and adjust expectations if the going has changed since those races.
Weather, going changes and how they affect betting
A change from good to soft or heavy turf reshapes the form lines: horses who thrive on quick ground may struggle, while proven mud-lovers can improve their prospects.
Monitor forecast updates from official racecards and be prepared to alter your view if significant rain arrives before post time.
How to interpret fillies and mares performance data
Fillies and mares often follow different development curves, so pay close attention to maturity, recovery between runs and how they coped with top-class company.
Look for recent upward trends, weight allowances and whether a filly has experience against older rivals that suggests she can handle graded level competition.
Responsible betting practices and useful bookmaker tools
Use bookmaker comparison tools, bet limits, deposit controls and self-exclusion if needed, and never stake more than you can afford to lose.
You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly; these resources help find reliable markets and fair terms without pressuring you to bet.
Champion Stakes and major-event betting considerations
When assessing top-level events, prioritise proven class, consistency at the trip and how a wide draw or a long campaign may have affected a horse’s freshness.
Markets often reflect consensus opinion quickly; consider value in small markets off the beaten favourite but avoid chasing long-shot novelty bets that lack supportive form evidence.
Frequently asked questions about Champions Day betting
Is betting on Champions Day legal and age-restricted?
Yes. Betting in the UK is legal for adults aged 18+ and must be restricted to those who are eligible to gamble.
How do I read form and recent race performances?
Focus on finishing positions, margins, race class, ground and sectional times to see whether a horse is improving or regressing.
Should I adjust stakes for soft or heavy going at Ascot?
Adjusting stakes to reflect uncertainty is sensible; softer ground increases variance, so smaller stakes reduce exposure to unpredictable outcomes.
Are each-way bets suitable for Balmoral handicap contests?
Each-way bets can be appropriate in large, open handicaps like the Balmoral where a number of runners have a realistic chance of placing.
How important are trainer and jockey statistics for tips?
Trainer and jockey stats provide context around form and tactics and should be combined with horse-specific evidence rather than used alone.
Where can I compare bookmaker offers and responsible tools?
You can compare offers and check terms via reputable comparison pages that list free bets, odds and responsible gambling tools before opening accounts.
Compare current free bet offers from our recommended bookmakers to see sign-up terms and market coverage for Champions Day.
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