British Champions Day Race Previews – Part 1

Hi all,

British Champions Day is now just two days away, with final declarations due this morning. Inside today’s main piece, I’m looking at the first three races on the card. Plus, I’ve had a look at couple of Curragh handicaps on Thursday.

Qipco Champions Day

I haven’t done any British Champions Day trends but if you want some you won’t find many better than Andy Stephens' on the Racing TV website.

They’ve switched the Long Distance Cup to open the meeting, with the juvenile conditions race now moving to second on the card.

12:55 – Long Distance Cup (2m)

Trawlerman won this race in 2023, and the reigning Gold Cup winner seems to have scared off most rivals. Aidan O’Brien has supplemented Stay True, who was third in the St Leger. I wasn’t convinced he truly stayed the Leger trip, so two miles will probably stretch him. Three-year-olds also have a poor record in the race — 0 from 20 since Champions Day began. This looks a penalty kick for Trawlerman, but at long odds-on, it won't be a betting race for me.

1:30 – Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes (6f)

Words Of Truth, winner of the Group 2 Mill Reef at Newbury, us suited by the race conditions. Brussels runner-up in both the Middle Park and last week’s Cornwallis Stakes (5f) — could make a quick turnaround. It should come down to those two on form, but there several possible unexposed rivals among the entries.

Division has won his last three, improving each time, and the stiff 6f should suit. If he turns out again quickly after Saturday’s Listed Rockingham win at York, he’s a player.

Siren Suit was a ¾ length third to Group 1 Middle Park Stakes winner Wise Approach here (5f) in April. He returned from a 5-month absence to make all to win a Kempton maiden (7f) 10 days ago. This could well have been the plan all along and he’s open to further improvement. No yard has had more wins on British Champions Day than the Gosden yard.

At a price, Gentle George is interesting. He’s won his last two, and Mick Appleby bypasses nurseries despite a mark of 90. He’s 22lb inferior to Words Of Truth on official ratings but is going the right way and could sneak into the frame at big odds.

2:05 – Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (6f)

Lazzat (120) tops the ratings and is the class act, but despite his Royal Ascot win, he’s arguably better with more give in the ground. He’s also disappointed on his last two starts, so while the right favourite, looks vulnerable.

Big Mojo (117) had Lazzat behind when winning the Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. He’ll enjoy the likely good ground and looks solid again. While Lazzat is better suited to Ascot, Big Mojo is also a C&D winner.

Inisherin (114) was a 3 ¼ lengths 6th to Big Mojo in the Betfair Sprint Cup, doing best of those drawn low. He hasn’t been at his best since winning last year’s Commonwealth Cup, but can’t be ruled out.

Kind Of Blue (114), was a 1 ¼ lengthsrunner-up to Big Mojo at Haydock, won this race last year. This has surely been the plan all season, and he’ll make a bold bid to defend his crown.

Flora Of Bermuda (111) finished a ½-length third to Kind Of Blue here 12 months ago and filled the same spot behind Big Mojo at Haydock. She’d appreciate a bit of ease, but won’t be far away if running to her best.

Montassib (114) wasn’t ideally placed when fifth in this last year. An early setback delayed his seasonal return, but he shaped well when third at Newbury last time over 5f. He finished strongly, and the return to 6f is a plus. He’d prefer more juice in the ground but remains danger if they go hard up front.

Rayevka (110) ran a cracker when a ¾ length third in the Commonwealth Cup over C&D. The drop to 5f didn’t suit at Longchamp last time. Back at 6f, she’s a live outsider if she gets a good pace to aim at.

Thursday Racing

A nice winner for the column at Nottingham yesterday as St Mawes landed the Colwick Cup Handicap at a very generous 10/1. I was amazed to see him go off at that price. The only explanation might be the market overlooking Emma Lavelle, who’s better known for her National Hunt runners. Otherwise, it’s hard to understand the weakness, especially as the trainer has a good record with her last-time-out winners on the Flat. This was her record before St Mawes’ latest success.

The best of the action this afternoon comes from across the Irish Sea at the Curragh.

Curragh

2:25 – Handicap (6f)

Unique Journey had a neck to spare over Gerrit’s Gem when winning a C&D handicap 12 days ago. The latter is 2lb better off today, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Unique Journey confirms that form. Staysound Susie was back in form when a ¾-length fourth of 12 at Cork 16 days ago. She should strip fitter for that run, her first in four months, and she’s now down to her last winning mark. First-time cheekpieces go on and she’s the pick.Tropical Retreat posted a career best when winning a C&D handicap two starts back but was well beaten in a stronger handicap last time. She would have each way claims if bouncing back dropped back in class

3:35 – Handicap (1m2f)

In My Teens has made a bright start to her career with form figures of 212 and looks the type to progress again now switching to handicaps. She seems ground versatile and, provided she settles better than last time, has strong claims off what looks a workable mark. Retracement took a step back in the right direction when a 3¾-length fourth of 21 in a more valuable C&D handicap last month. A 3lb rise isn’t ideal, and he probably needs to race a little closer to the pace in what doesn’t look a strongly run contest. Fiver Friday is well handicapped on her best flat form for her previous yard. First start since switching to Gavin Cromwell and it will be interesting to see if there’s money for her in the pre-race betting.

Thursday Selection:

Curragh

2:25 – Staysound Susie – 7/1

Tomorrow, I’ll turn my attention to the Fillies & Mares, QE11 Stakes and the Champion Stakes — the latter two races the headline races on British Champions Day.

Good luck with your Thursday bets.

John