Black-Type Analysis: Ombudsman And Delacroix Meet For The Third Time At Ascot

[Wandering Eyes]

Saturday, Ascot, post time: 16:05, THE QIPCO CHAMPION STAKES-G1, £1,417,500, 3yo/up, 9f 212yT

Field: Almaqam (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), First Look (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Fox Legacy (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Ombudsman (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Prague (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Almeric (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Devil's Advocate (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Mount Kilimanjaro (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}).

TDN Analysis: The Champion Stakes as it should be but not always is, with all the best 10-furlong performers squaring up on ground that neither favours nor compromises anybody. Second last year when it was soft, Calandagan will be a different proposition this time but he'll have to be to live with this season's success story Ombudsman who looks to settle scores with Delacroix for the third and last time. One apiece after a tactical Eclipse and farcical Juddmonte International, it is hard to say who will be the strongest off an honest tempo with Devil's Advocate and Mount Kilimanjaro having been at it hammer and tongs up ahead. Where Economics is even William Haggas doesn't truly know, but this is not a race to be having your seasonal debut in while Almaqam needed it to have been a lot softer than this. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Ascot, post time: 15:25, THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES-G1, £1,156,250, 3yo/up, 8fT

Field: Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Cicero's Gift (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Docklands (GB) (Massaat {Ire}), Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}), Never So Brave (Ire) (No Nay Never), Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Alakazi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Marvelman (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}).

TDN Analysis: Back from the wilderness after his Sussex nightmare, Field Of Gold has the opportunity to wrap up the division honours that looked so certain after his St James's Palace display. If there are any vulnerabilities, they will be exposed by Fallen Angel who has proven anything but of late and enters this a filly in her prime. How Rosallion has managed to get himself beaten so many times this season is one of its biggest mysteries and there can't be a horse in training who has produced such impressive data without getting the all-important win. If it comes here, all will be forgiven and forgotten and he loves this track only marginally less than Docklands, one of the few thorns in his side this term. Another is Never So Brave, who is up in trip having mastered him at York from the stable that CAN DO NO WRONG in 2026. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Ascot, post time: 14:05, THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS SPRINT STAKES-G1, £562,500, 3yo/up, 6fT

Field: Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Iberian (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal), James's Delight (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), King Of Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), King's Gamble (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), King Cuan (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}), Montassib (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Run To Freedom (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Ten Bob Tony (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Witness Stand (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Big Mojo (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Powerful Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Spy Chief (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Flora Of Bermuda (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), No Half Measures (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: One of the final dust-ups between the sluggers in this category this year, with none so far able to retain all the belts despite individual moments of superiority. All-powerful at the Royal meeting, Lazzat has developed a glass jaw in the interim while Big Mojo just gets more toughened and hardened with every bout. Undoubtedly one of the year's biggest disappointments, last year's winner Kind Of Blue may just have been keeping his powder dry for this glorious comeback moment but he gives the repeated impression he can't last all the rounds anymore. Rayevka needs a bit of a jump to get to the elite here, but it's all there in her pedigree and style of racing and hails from the stable that CAN DO NO WRONG in 2026. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Ascot, post time: 12:55, THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS LONG DISTANCE CUP-G1, £531,250, 3yo/up, 15f 209yT

Field: Al Qareem (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Saratoga (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Stay True (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: Nearing eight, Trawlerman has played the long game to perfection and now that all his enemies have been scattered is in command of this division. There isn't much hope for his rivals, even allowing for the potential of Stay True, and with Sweet William probably just going to be Sweet William again proceedings should get off to a comfortingly predictable start. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Ascot, post time: 14:45, THE QIPCO BRITISH CHAMPIONS FILLIES & MARES STAKES-G1, £531,250, 3yo/up, 11f 211yT

Field: Danielle (GB) (Cracksman {GB}), Estrange (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Latakia (GB) (Frankel {GB}), One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Quisisana (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Ballet Slippers (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Waardah (Ire) (Postponed {Ire}), Wemightakedlongway (Ire) (Australia {GB}).

TDN Analysis: Another seeking to bookend a winless campaign with a successful title defence, Kalpana may be vulnerable having like Quisisana been asked to plumb the depths in the Arc. Spared that experience, Estrange is a formidable lurking presence by the sire that CAN DO NO WRONG in 2026. These end-of-term contests just love an improver and Waardah is tailor-made, having snuck up the ladder in the Lillie Langtry and she comes here dangerously fresh. Ballydoyle's biggest enigma Bedtime Story has been asked to try on a plethora of costumes but can't get comfortable in any. Perhaps that lightning bolt we witnessed in the Chesham last June was just that, but where this stable is concerned any eventuality is possible until completely exhausted. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:15, MONGEY COMMUNICATIONS EYREFIELD STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, 9fT

Field: A Boy Named Susie (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Christmas Day (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Listentodwindblow (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Nil Bua Gan Dua (American Pharoah), Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Port Of Spain (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), South Island (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Thread Of Gold (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: One of Ballydoyle's crew of TDN Rising Stars, Presented by Hagyard, Piazza San Marco who is joined by the well-regarded Christmas Day could stir the Derby market a bit here. Obviously not content with pulling all the strings in the other code, Willie Mullins is looking to get into the action on the Flat with his impressive Curragh winner Thread Of Gold. He might mash this lot, but there'll be no Blue Riband next summer as he is gelded. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Leopardstown, post time: 16:20, KILLAVULLAN STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, 7f 30yT

Field: Daytona (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Dorset (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Mumhan (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Spangled Sands (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Yaupon De Replay (Yaupon).

TDN Analysis: One of her burgeoning sire's billboards, Yaupon de Replay takes on the colts en route to Del Mar. Dorset had begun to look a disappointing TDN Rising Star, Presented by Hagyard, but got it back together last time in the Goffs Million while Jim Bolger took this with Poetic Flare in 2020 and saddles the Curragh winner Mumhan. [Tom Frary].

Saturday, Marseille Borely, France, post time: 12:31, PRIX DELAHANTE – PELLEGRIN-Listed, €54,900, 2yo, 8 1/2fT

Field: Siciliano (Fr) (Time Test {GB}), Mefie Toi (Fr) (De Treville {GB}), Sorbetto (Fr) (Supremacy {Ire}), Ladja (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}), Tchikita (Fr) (Charm Spirit {Ire}), Khalinskha (Fr) (Fas {Ire}), Testerine (Fr) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Zaraxia (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}).

TDN Analysis: Zaraxia and Khalinskha are the two nominees with an unbeaten record to defend and both come back off decisive maiden scores at Salon-de-Provence and Vichy, respectively, last month. The duo will be accompanied by winning stablemates Testerine, for Zaraxia's Nicolas Perret yard, and Sorbetto for Khalinskha's Jerome Reynier barn, with the former having Ladja back in fourth when breaking through over this course and distance three weeks ago. The Patrice Cottier-conditioned pair Siciliano and Mefie Toi boast an aggregate five unplaced efforts in stakes company, while Elias Mikhalides trainee Tchikita comes back off a claiming-race sixth at Chantilly. [Sean Cronin].

Sunday, Kyoto, Japan, post time: 15:40, SHUKA SHO-G1, ¥215,400,000, 3yo, f, 2000mT

Field: Danon Fair Lady (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Rouge Solitaire (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Jocelyn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Lesedrama (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Brown Ratchet (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Kelly Fled Ask (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Kurino Mei (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), Theresa (Jpn) (Admire Mars {Jpn}), Ma Puce (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), Erika Express (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Embroidery (Jpn) (Admire Mars {Jpn}), Voulezvous (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}), Sena style (Jpn) (Sottsass {Fr}), Vip Daisy (Jpn) (Satono Diamond {Jpn}), In Vogue (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Run For Vow (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Kamunyak (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Paradis Reine (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}).

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:33, PRIX DU CONSEIL DE PARIS-G2, €119,000, 3yo/up, 11fT

Field: Casapueblo (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}), Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}), Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), Path Of Soldier {Ger}) Soldier Hollow {GB}), Convergent (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), Yellow Jersey (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}).

TDN Analysis: Newtown Anner's G1 Deutsches Derby runner-up Convergent made a black-type breakthrough in last month's G3 Kilternan and is primed for another step up the ladder here. Last term's G2 Champagne victor Bay City Roller has run second in three Group 2 contests this year, while Qatar Racing's Listed Prix Frederic de Lagrange victor Yellow Jersey has not been seen since registering a three-length tally in August's Arqana Series des Trois Ans at Deauville. Deutsches Derby fourth Path Of Soldier completes the sophomore band. The older brigade provides a formidable barrier with multiple Group 1 winners Dubai Honour and Junko joined by Godolphin's G2 Grand Prix de Deauville runner-up Casapueblo. [Sean Cronin].

Sunday, Baden-Baden, Germany, post time: 12:45, CARLA KELLNER ZUKUNFTSRENNEN – PREIS DER WINTERKONIGIN-G3, €155,000, 2yo, f, 8fT

Field: Alsterperle (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}), Deia's Delight (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Fantastic Fox (Ger) (Japan {GB}), Isfana (Ger) (Isfahan {Ger}), Love My Life (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Madame Magic (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Sea The Storm (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Valzeina (Swi) (Persian King {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: Alsterperle was denied in the dying strides of last month's Listed Winterkonigin Trial at Cologne and bids to shed maiden status at the fifth attempt. She has the measure of Madame Magic, who ran fourth in that 7 1/2-furlong contest, and her chief threat is the David Menuisier-trained Sea The Storm, who delivered an impressive win in a one-mile Sandown maiden five weeks ago. Deia's Delight, like Alsterperle, finished a neck second to Believe In Me in her latest start and is another maiden seeking glory. Henk Grewe entry Valzeina, one of just two with winning form, returns off a half-length tally, finishing ahead of Isfana and Fantastic Fox, over seven furlongs at Dortmund last month, while the once-raced maiden Love My Life is no forlorn hope and completes the line-up. [Sean Cronin].

Sunday, Baden-Baden, Germany, post time: 14:05, B.A.U. HERBST TROPHY-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 12fT

Field: Lordano (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Padre Palou (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Rashford (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Nastaria (GB) (Outstrip {GB}), Lion's Head (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), Tanami Starlet (GB) (Best Solution {Ire}), Delgardo (Ger) (Best Solution {Ire}), Name Lord (Ger) (Lord Of England {Ger}).

TDN Analysis: Listed Dusseldorf Derby Trial victor Delgardo is presented with the chance of a first pattern-race win coming back off a second in this month's G3 Preis der Deutschen Einheit. He concedes two pounds for a one-length defeat of Name Lord in that Derby Trial, but the latter reversed form when seventh in July's G1 Deutsches Derby and makes his first appearance since. The older brigade is headed by last year's second and third, Tanami Starlet and Lion's Head, while the usual suspects Lordano, Padre Palou, Rashford and Nastaria merit respect. [Sean Cronin].

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:25, PRIX DE SAINT-CYR-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, f, 7fT

Field: Medusa Merger (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), Ashikidah (Fr) (Belardo {Ire}), Narkala (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Naina (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Miracle Beauty (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Morgan Bay (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Blazing Spirit (Fr) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Alsaba (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Verse Of Love (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Santa Savana (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Scattering Light (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Paris Babe (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Celestial Orbit (GB) (No Nay Never), Sonadoor (Ire) (Shaman {Ire}), Beaujolais Nouveau (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), Alreyyah (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Secret Wood (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}), Dash Of Azure (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}).

TDN Analysis: With a mammoth field thundering towards the first turn on this storied downhill chute, this will not be for the faint of heart. The dual-winning Narkala, Listed Prix Amandine victrix Medusa Merger and Listed Fillies Cup third Santa Savana head a solid home defence. Last term's Listed Star Stakes victrix Celestial Orbit and Listed October Stakes second Dash Of Azzure are best of the Brits and favourably housed towards the far-side rail, while Joseph O'Brien ships in Fairyhouse handicap winner Miracle Beauty. Having been on the outskirts of black-type success, Morgan Bay, Scattering Light, Secret Wood and Alsaba merit respect. Maranoa Charlie annexed this month's G1 Prix de la Foret over course and distance from stall 14 in a field of 16. [Sean Cronin].

Click here for the complete fields.

The post Black-Type Analysis: Ombudsman And Delacroix Meet For The Third Time At Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article