Ascot Champions Day 2025 Ante Post Preview

Races Now's Harry Fowler takes an ante post look at the 2025 British Champions Day card from Ascot, taking place on Saturday October 18th.

Ascot Champions Day marks the grand finale of the British flat racing season – where the best of the best come together for one last showdown.

The card features five Group 1 contests, bookended by the new two-year-old Conditions Stakes and the ever-competitive Balmoral Handicap.

(Note – the 12:55 new two-year-old race currently has no entries, so we’ll have to wait and see closer to the time.)

Ante Post betting tips for 2025 British Champions Day

1:30pm – Long Distance Cup (Group 1) – 2m

The day’s Group 1 action begins with the Long Distance Cup. Trawlerman is the shortest-priced favourite of the day, has dominated this season following Kyprios’ retirement. The only question mark could be if the ground turns testing – he was third in this race last year on soft ground behind Kyprios and Sweet William. The latter is reported to be done for the season so one less for this short priced favourite to think about.

Aidan O’Brien has a couple options: Illinois has been disappointing this season, and Jan Brueghel missed Irish Champions Day through injury, his participation is unknown.

A potential French raider is Sibayan, who’s been a big improver since moving stables and being gelded, landed a first Group 1 last time out, would also be a strong contender if lining up.

2:05pm – Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1) – 6f

The UK sprint division has been unpredictable all season.

Wathnan Racing holds the top two in the market: Lazzat, Jubilee Stakes winner at Royal Ascot, and Kind Of Blue, last year’s winner, both of whom thrive here and handle any ground. Another Wathnan chance is Flora Of Bermuda who keeps knocking on the door at this level.

William Haggas has Sky Majesty, who ran below par on Arc weekend, and Montassib, who shaped well on seasonal return and was an eye-catching fifth in this race last year despite a poor draw. Montassib at this stage would be my idea of the most likely winner at this stage and he is around 7/1.

At a huge price, No Half Measures (July Cup winner) looks interesting at 66/1. She wants soft ground, had excuses last time, and that price could look generous if showing up.

2:45pm – Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1) – 1m4f

This race is still taking shape. Estrange heads the market after missing the Arc due to a dirty scope — though many suspect it was the poor draw which I tend to agree with. If she runs, looking through potential runners, she will be very tough to beat and shorter than the current 3/1.

Kalpana, Quisisana, and Wemightakedlongway all ran on Arc weekend, so may not reappear quickly. Minnie Hauk is very unlikely to run. Whirl, who when last seen disappointed in an Arc trial, is in here but could instead head for the Champion Stakes or Breeders’ Cup.

Two likely runners are Waardah and Danielle — both relish soft ground and should be suited by a strongly-run mile and a half, especially the improving three-year-old Waardah.

3:25pm – Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1) – 1m

This year’s QEII looks set to be a cracker. Field Of Gold leads the market as he bids to bounce back to his sparkling best from Goodwood disappointment. I am hoping to see the best of Field OF Gold return, he was electric at the Royal Meeting and it was a major shame for things to go wrong last time.

Delacroix from the current markets seems more likely to run here than in the Champion Stakes — which would be his career swansong.

Fallen Angel continues to improve, coming here after two Group 1 wins, the latest a dominant Sun Chariot victory. Others to note: Rosallion (unlikely to get his ground), Docklands (loves Ascot), Never So Brave who has been on the improve all season, and Facteur Cheval, who was second only to Charyn here last year.

4:05pm – Champion Stakes (Group 1) – 1m2f

The highlight of the day rarely disappoints. Sadly, Anmaat won’t defend his crown after a setback.

Ombudsman heads the betting after an outstanding season — winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, finishing second in the Eclipse, and landing the Juddmonte International impressively.

Calandagan, winner of the King George and second in this race last year, looks the main threat and could go one better this year. He is the one that I would side with here, he is 9/4 but had the green light that he is due to run when his trainer was asked following his successful Arc winner.

Almaqam looks set to line up after missing France due to the dry forecast which didn’t in the end materialise — a decision that might prove inspired or frustrating. Three-year-old Almeric faces a huge step up after an easy Listed win, while Whirl and Pride Of Arras (Dante and Voltigeur winner) could also feature if connections opt to run here as opposed to abroad options.

4:40pm – Balmoral Handicap – 1m

The day ends with the tricky Balmoral Handicap.

Native Warrior is current market leader, penalised six pounds for his recent Ascot win, looks progressive and tough to beat. Apiarist is one I have my eye on, could be considered very unlucky in that same race and set to run off one pound less, could be the one to challenge the favourite at a much bigger price of 20/1.

While last years winner of this Carrytheone is out to 33/1 following three runs this season and not beating a rival.