Champion Stakes S2 - 5, 17/10/2020, Saturday Post Time 22:40
1 |
Addeybb |
Twice outclassed top Australian opposition earlier in 2020. Briefly looked threatened at Ayr most recently until his powerful finishing kick again won the day. |
2 |
Desert Encounter |
Has twice won the 2400m G1 Canadian International Stakes but he is the lowest in the ratings here so it will be a surprise if he gets into the money. Often slowly away and always held up. |
3 |
Extra Elusive |
A former handicapper and yet to be tested at a G1 level. Made a decisive winning move to win a well contested soft-ground G3 at Windsor in August. May struggle. |
4 |
Japan |
Enjoyed a rewarding 2019 including G1 wins at York and Longchamp. Generally disappointing in four G1 attempts this year, never looking likely to win any of them. |
5 |
Lord North |
Quickened from the rear and then responded to strong pressure to confirm his upward mobility when winning a G1 over course and distance in June. Adaptable groundwise. |
6 |
San Donato |
Has previously raced over shorter than this until a 3L third (briefly looking like winning) to today's rival Addeybb at Ayr last month. Hard to see him reversing that form. |
7 |
Skalleti |
A serious French challenger, outpointing subsequent Arc winner Sottsass at Deauville and - despite racing too freely - surged from the back to stylishly win a Longchamp G2 this month. |
8 |
Magical |
As fantastically talented as she is tough, she has won G1's at this meeting for the last two years, including this in 2019. At least as good in 2020 as she showed again when nailing the brilliant Ghaiyyath at Leopardstown. |
9 |
Mishriff |
Sharply progressive and unbeaten in three recent starts over a wide variety of surfaces. Powerful in the Chantilly straight when winning Prix du Jockey Club in July and equally impressive in a G2 last time. |
10 |
Pyledriver |
From a smallish stable and often underestimated but has gained two impressive victories this season including a decisive Royal Ascot G2 winning strike. Dropping back down in trip. |
11 |
Serpentine |
Achieved fame as shock winner of the Epsom Derby, having only won a maiden previously, not capitulating after leading almost throughout. Nothing wrong with his Longchamp fourth after a break. |