Daily Star Chief Tipster Jason Heavey has marked the card for Qatar Racing Champions Day at Ascot, the richest card in British racing with £4.35million of prize money at stake.
Jason is one of the country’s leading newspaper tipsters. In 2023 he did the rare double of winning both national tipping titles – the Racing Post Press Challenge and also the coveted Racing Post Naps Table. He is currently the leading “red-top” tipster in the country in the National Press Challenge table.
Champion Stakes selection
There are five Group One contests, a new race for juveniles and a humdinger of a handicap on the card. In the Champion Stakes itself, Heavey is taking CALANDAGAN (4.00) to retain his crown.
Absent since winning the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at the Berkshire track in July, the French-trained gelding, who races in the Aga Khan colours, has a record of 12112 at the course and repelled the challenge of Ombudsman to win last year’s renewal.
John Gosden will walk the track early Saturday before committing Ombudsman to the race and the 3.5mm of rain that fell on Friday morning might just persuade him to pull him out and wait for the Breeders’ Cup. If he runs then Ombudsman’s pacemaker Devil’s Advocate may just set the race up for Calandagan.
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and Sprint picks
Arc second Bay City Roller and Almaqam would have wanted even more rain and may just lack the finishing speed of Calandagan. Constitution River is the sole three-year-old and Aidan O’Brien reports him to be back to his best after being under the weather on his latest start at York.
ZAVATERI (3.20) could cause a minor upset in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. He deserved to win the Celebration Mile at Goodwood after decent efforts behind Notable Speech and Bow Echo – and he arrives much fresher than market leaders Gstaad and Talk Of New York. Rayif is another player while Ten Bob Tony is a standout each-way selection at 10-1.
ALMERAQ (2.05, trb) was brilliant when winning at Haydock in August and is hard to oppose in the Sprint despite his short price (11-8). The bit of rain will help him as it may take any sting out of the ground. Power Blue is an each-way alternative at 50-1.
Long Distance Cup and other selections
HIGHWAYMAN (1.30, nap) was a brilliant winner of the St Leger and the extra trip of the Long Distance Cup should play to his stamina strengths. Caballo de Mar, Amiloc and Opportunity will make him go. He is Heavey’s strongest fancy with odds of 10/3 still available.
In the Fillies and Mares Stakes, Heavey tried to find something to beat KALPANA (2.40) but she may just have one more big run in her despite a busy season. Fifth in the Arc, she earlier won the King George and the Yorkshire Oaks and she could effectively clinch the trainers’ title for Andrew Balding with victory here.
SATELLITE OF LOVE (12.55) gets the vote in the Two-Year-old Conditions Stakes and can reverse recent form with Night In Vegas on 7lb better terms.
The closing Balmoral Handicap is the day’s best betting race and Heavey is chancing VALVANO (4.35) at 33–1. He is talented and remains well treated but Heavey will be having a saver on Scoville (6-1).
Future winners
ALBERTINI STAR: A very good winner at Sandown, she is entered on Monday at Wolverhampton with Oisin Murphy booked. She is 6lb higher in the handicap but there is plenty more to come.
RED CURRY: This filly showed up well on her Kempton debut when she did not get the clearest run but was not beaten far. She cost plenty (575,000 guineas) and has a choice of entries on Tuesday.
