Richard Hannon | British Champions Day – Ascot: “He’s more than capable of making his presence felt”

ASCOT

1:55 G1 Qipco British Champions Sprint

Shouldvebeenaring (Sean Levey)

It’s fair to say his form this season has been a little in and out, but some of his form is right up there, including a close second in the Group One Sprint Cup and he wasn’t far behind Kinross and Lead Artist at Doncaster, so he’s more than capable of making his presence felt. The ground, however, is an obvious concern, because there’s no doubt he performs best on better ground, but this will be his last ever run and whatever happens here he goes out with his head held high and has been the most wonderful servant to all of us and will go off now to enjoy a well deserved retirement.

3:55 G1 Qipco British Champions Stakes

 Persica (Sean Levey)

This is obviously a major step up, and I’m under no illusions as to the task he faces, but he’s a high-class colt in his own right and I thought he won with a fair bit in hand at Ayr last time. Stall 12 is far from ideal, but he handles soft ground and can hopefully finish in the first six and pick up some valuable prize money.

 

 4:35 Balmoral Handicap

Witch Hunter (Jamie Spencer)

He’s been in fairly good form all season and a contest like this suits his style of racing. Jamie gets on very well with him and this will be his first start in a Handicap since they both won the Buckingham Palace Stakes together, albeit off a 6lbs lower mark. It’s a massively competitive race so I’ll be delighted if he can finish in the places and give his owners another great day out.

 

Please remember to gamble responsibly. Visit our Safer Gambling section for more information, help and advice