British Champions Day Tips: Field Of Gold Primed for QEII Stakes Glory at Ascot

This Saturday, British Champions Day brings the curtain down on the Flat season with a spectacular card at Ascot. With over £4 million in prize money across six races including five Group 1 contests, this is Britain’s richest raceday.

We’ve examined the form book and trends to highlight three selections that offer genuine winning chances and excellent value. Here are our standout picks for this prestigious fixture.

Field Of Gold to claim milers’ crown

Field Of Gold heads to the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes as the ante-post favourite, and his consistent Group 1 performances throughout the season justify market confidence. The four-year-old has proven his class at Ascot before and thrives on the straight mile configuration that suits his racing style perfectly.

His autumn campaign has been carefully managed with this target in mind, and he arrives fresh having avoided unnecessary runs. This horse has proven course form and the tactical speed to dominate from the front in championship-level company.

Calandagan seeking Champion Stakes glory

Calandagan returns to the QIPCO Champion Stakes at 16:05 as one of the leading contenders after a stellar season. The F-H Graffard-trained four-year-old brings exceptional form to Ascot, having won the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at this very track in the summer.

The middle-distance division’s strength this autumn means this race will be highly competitive, with Ombudsman, Economics and Delacroix all boasting Group 1 credentials. However, Calandagan’s King George triumph and proven Ascot form mark him out as a serious player in what promises to be the race of the season.

Trawlerman can dominate staying division

Trawlerman enters the Long Distance Cup at 12:55 as the headline act for this newly-elevated Group 1 contest. The John and Thady Gosden-trained seven-year-old has been exceptional this season, breaking the track record when winning the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in breathtaking fashion.

The two-mile trip plays perfectly to his strengths, and his proven stamina over extreme distances makes him a standout selection. With the staying division lacking depth this autumn, Trawlerman’s class advantage should see him dominate from the front in the opening Group 1 of the day.