Champion Stakes tips and runner-by-runner guide to Ascot 4.00

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

Baaeed bids to sign off from the track with victory in the Champion Stakes – but he faces, arguably, the toughest test of his career in Saturday’s 16:00 at Ascot.

After destroying his rivals on his first crack at 10 furlongs in the Juddmonte International last time out, William Haggas’ unbeaten superstar meets last year’s Epsom Derby and King George winner Adayar in the feature race on British Champions Day.

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Haggas is locked in a ding-dong battle with Adayar’s handler Charlie Appleby for the British Trainers’ Championship so this race could prove crucial thanks to the £737,230 of prize money on offer to the winner.

The latest Champion Stakes odds are on the Paddy Power website or via our snazzy widgets, otherwise Timeform’s handy guide to the runners and riders plus betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.

Champion Stakes runners

Adayar

Trainer: Charlie Appleby Jockey: William Buick Age: 4 Weight: 9st 7lbs Draw: 6

Derby and King George winner in 2021 before a decent fourth in the Arc. Ended campaign with a below-par effort in this corresponding event but predictably had too much class for his two rivals making his belated return at Doncaster last month and he looks Baaeed’s main danger.

****

Baaeed

Trainer: William Haggas Jockey: Jim Crowley Age: 4 Weight: 9st 7lbs Draw: 1

Top-class colt who stretched his unbeaten record to 10 stepped up to 1¼m for the first time in the Juddmonte International at York a couple of months ago. One of the very best in Europe this century, he can’t be opposed on his final racecourse outing.

*****

Bay Bridge

Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Jockey: Richard Kingscote Age: 4 Weight: 9st 7lbs Draw: 4

High-class colt who returned with most impressive 5-length win in Brigadier Gerard at Sandown in May. Beaten favourite on both subsequent outings (latest in the Eclipse) but he remains with potential returned to ground with more give in it.

***

Dubai Honour

Trainer: William Haggas Jockey: James Doyle Age: 4 Weight: 9st 7lbs Draw: 9

Big improver over 1¼m at 3, winning pair of Group 2s in France and runner-up in this. Not reached those levels this term, turned over at short odds for the second time in 3 starts on all-weather bow at Kempton 6 weeks ago. Hasn’t looked the easiest of rides and cheekpieces are applied.

Helvic Dream

Trainer: Noel Meade Jockey: Oisin Orr Age: 5 Weight: 9st 7lbs Draw: 2

Very smart effort when pipping Broome in Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in 2021 but hasn’t got anywhere near that form in a couple of starts this year, latest in that corresponding contest back in May. Plenty to prove returning from 5 months off.

Mac Swiney

Trainer: Jim Bolger Jockey: Kevin Manning Age: 4 Weights: 9st 7lbs Draw: 5

Won the Irish 2000 Guineas in 2021 and was back to his best when third in this corresponding event 5 months later. Disappointed on both outings this season though, so it’s tough to see him getting involved.

Royal Champion

Trainer: Roger Varian Jockey: Jack Mitchell Age: 4 Weight: 9st 7lbs Draw: 8

Smart performer who boasts a progressive profile this term, turning what looked a competitive listed Doonside Cup beforehand into a rout at Ayr 4 weeks ago. Still getting better but will need to take a huge step forward on his first outing at the top table.

***

My Prospero

Trainer: William Haggas Jockey: Jack Mitchell Age: 3 Weight: 9st 3lbs Draw: 7

Fast-improving colt who landed Newbury maiden on return before following up in listed Heron at Sandown in May. Went very close in St James’s Palace at the Royal meeting next start and resumed winning ways in Group 2 event at Saint-Cloud when last seen 3 months ago. Better still to come.

***

Stone Age

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 3 Weight 9st 3lbs Draw: 3

Easily made all in Irish Derby Trial but has found things tougher in Grade 1s since, seen to something like maximum effect under an enterprising ride when 2¾ lengths fifth to Luxembourg in Irish Champion Stakes 5 weeks ago. A place is probably the best he can hope for.