Architect has six betting tips for British Champions Day at Ascot.
13:20 Saturday
An unoriginal choice, but it is difficult to oppose KYPRIOS (tipped at 4/5), the first selection in my 4/1 ITV double for tomorrow.
Despite his narrow defeat in this 12 months ago when he wasn’t at his best, Aidan O’Brien’s top-class stayer has won all of his six starts this year, looking unbeatable in each of those. The six-year-old can sign his campaign off on a high in the opener by making amends for his near-miss last year.
13:55 Saturday
French raider BEAUVATIER (tipped at 14/1) looks ridiculously overpriced in this contest, as I would have him near the top of the betting.
He’s only finished out of the frame once in 11 starts and has placed four times at the highest level. He came from miles off the pace when third in the Qatar Prix de la Foret, and a repeat of that display on a course that should suit his running style could see him extremely competitive.
14:35 Saturday
Kalpana made it four wins from seven starts when impressively taking the Group 3 September Stakes last time out. However, this is more demanding, and at a big price, WAR CHIMES (tipped at 25/1) could offer fair value.
David Menuisier’s filly thrashed subsequent Arc fourth Sosie by five lengths in Chantilly last year and finished a very good third in the Epsom Oaks on her penultimate start. She’s more than capable of throwing her hat into the ring at double-figure odds.
15:15 Saturday
CHARYN (tipped at 7/4) has improved leaps and bounds this year, winning four of his six starts and finishing second in the other two.
He was given far too much to do in Paris last time but still performed with credit, and his previous win in the Jacques le Marois was brilliant.
Returning to the scene of his convincing success in the Queen Anne Stakes at the Royal meeting here in June, Roger Varian’s top-class miler can come out on top.
15:55 Saturday
CALANDAGAN (tipped at 13/8) finished a one-length second to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International, and that is a standout piece of form, as the pair pulled well clear of the third, with subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking well held in fourth.
That was an outstanding effort in defeat, considering the ground he made up, plus he returns to the scene of his dominant victory at the Royal meeting earlier this season. His turn of foot can prove the deciding factor in the outcome of this weekend’s feature.
16:35 Saturday
The Balmoral Handicap has undoubtedly been the primary target for LATTAM (tipped at 14/1). I know he’s not been seen to the best of effect the last twice, but he performed well in each, and his second in the Lincoln on his return came on similar ground.
He goes well fresh, he will love conditions and is back down to a mark of 95. I am confident he runs a big race in the finale.
