1m2f (1m1f212y) Qipco Champion Stakes (British Champions Middle Distance) (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo+)
Adayar and Sealiway, 4th and 5th in the Arc two weeks ago, make quick turnarounds and drop in trip. Both ran big races at Longchamp, with the former looking the winner turning for home before tiring in bad ground and Sealiway staying on from the back. Whilst Sealiway needs to improve, Adayar need only to hold his form to go very close. However, an in-form Mishriff will take all the beating here and it seems the market agrees he can reverse King George form with Adayar over this shorter trip and better prep. Both horses are what they are this late in the season and their prices offer marginal value at best. I prefer Mishriff’s claims but memories of his remarkable race-day drift last year refrain enthusiasm for backing him. I prefer backing unexposed horses in Group Ones and DUBAI HONOUR has really won me over in recent starts. He’s not got the fanciest pedigree but he’s got a killer turn of foot and seems to be improving fast. He needs to improve another 11lb to match Adayar’s best form, but the way he races – often coming from last to first – and the horses he’s beaten haven’t given him a chance to achieve a lofty rating yet. He looks well up to this level and worth a bet at the prices.
1pt win Dubai Honour @7/1, 15:50 Ascot, Saturday
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