The Champion Stakes is the star attraction at Ascot on Saturday, and only six go to post for the 4pm, but there is no shortage of class. The 1m2f showpiece is the fifth of five Group 1s on the Champions Day card, and it features a rematch between last year’s winner Calandagan and Ombudsman, who ranks second only to Ka Ying Rising among the world’s best racehorses.

Arc runner-up Bay City Roller and Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Almaqam add further depth, while Aidan O’Brien has opted to keep French Derby and Coral-Eclipse hero Constitution River at 1m2f rather than drop him back to a mile. With the trainers’ title also on the line, the Ballydoyle colt has plenty riding on his shoulders. For a full rundown of the field, read our Champion Stakes runners guide.

Almaqam – Ed Walker/Kieran Shoemark (stall 1)

Very useful and consistent yardstick who earned a first Group 1 success in the Tattersalls Gold Cup earlier this season. Was cruelly denied in the dying strides in the Juddmonte International too, when finishing ahead of Ombudsman and Constitution River. The race panned out well for him that day, while there was also some give in the ground which he prefers. This may prove more challenging with little rain forecast, but he will run up to a standard the rest need to beat.

Bay City Roller – George Scott/Oisin Murphy (5)

One of two flagship performers for George Scott over the past two seasons, landing two Group 1s when the mud has flown. One of those came when rampant in the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June when Calandagan could not hack conditions. Proved himself almost as capable on better ground when a game runner-up in the Arc two weeks ago. That ensures he turns out again quickly, and over a trip shorter than he usually faces, but difficult to argue with his form and continued progression.

Calandagan – Francis-Henri Graffard/Mickael Barzalona (4)

Brilliant winner of this last year when simply too strong for Ombudsman. That victory tied a bow on a sensational European campaign in which he claimed a hat trick of Group 1s before then going over to win the Japan Cup. This year has still provided two more Group 1s albeit his performance levels have definitely dropped. He has also been beaten on both starts when travelling over to Britain, so he might be there for the taking compared to this time 12 months ago.

Devil’s Advocate – John & Thady Gosden/Robert Havlin (6)

Did a good job to help set the pace in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes for Ombudsman and should get an uncontested lead to do the same here, unlike at York. Will not feature in the finish unless there’s some tactical mishap.

Ombudsman – John & Thady Gosden/William Buick (2)

Earned an exceptionally high rating when a devastating winner of the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot when blitzing clear to win by four lengths, with Arc winner Daryz only third. The runner-up gives the form a slight cloud, though it was probably just her best performance of the season. Beaten surprisingly at York thereafter in a messy race when the going softened critically before the off. Back at this track though, and with the going remaining sound, he is the one to beat even though he has to overturn last year’s defeat by Calandagan.

Constitution River – Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore (3)

One of a string of useful three-year-olds for Aidan O’Brien this year. Started the season superbly, winning the Dee Stakes in a Chester rout, then landing the French Derby and Eclipse by mid summer. Went into a hugely anticipated clash with Ombudsman at York but failed to fire off a strong pace, which also occurred in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. Was third in both races and may be booked for that position again unless more patient tactics do the trick.

Champion Stakes Racecard

Joe Napier’s Champion Stakes Selections

On better ground, Ombudsman can overturn last year’s running with Calandagan. York’s tackier going, coupled with a rough race, combined to defeat him on the Knavesmire, but he was brutally brilliant here at the royal meeting and conditions have remained in his favour. The French challenger remains a potent force, but has not quite reached the same heights so far in 2026, and is opposable.

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