Breakdown of the form of the Champion Stakes with Bay Bridge leading the way in a lovely renewal of the event. The son of New Bay (Dubawi) won this race last year beating the heavily favoured Baeed who only managed 4th in sticky going. 

1 Bay Bridge

His seven career victories include a career-high when winning this race last year. One G3 victory since during a mixed 2023 campaign. Too keen when not lasting home over the 2400m of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last time.

2 Dubai Honour

Never threatened in this race last year, but a terrific start to 2023 saw him win two G1s in Australia and then run a brave third to Romantic Warrior in the FWD QEII Cup at Sha Tin. May struggle here.

3 Mostahdaf

Fantastic performances on his last two starts mean he is one of the world’s best at around this trip, different tactics see him victorious in G1s at Royal Ascot and York. Good or fast ground much preferred.

4 My Prospero

Came close to delivering a shock win in this last year. Narrowly defeated in a G2 at York in July, preparing for this when winning in Listed company at Goodwood last month, though having to work hard on unsuitably soft ground.

5 Point Lonsdale

A G3 and G2 winner on slow ground earlier in the season, but, though he wasn’t beaten far at Leopardstown last month, he does not look up to G1 success so is not very appealing here.

6 Via Sistina

Despite racing awkwardly she gained her first G1 success over a similar trip at The Curragh in July, only just caught in another G1 at Deauville on her last start, in August. She has impressive acceleration.

7 Horizon Dore

A French-trained gelding who excels at this trip and has been improving race-by-race, latterly when swooping late to gain an impressive G2 victory at Longchamp. Very reliable and looks a strong candidate.

8 King Of Steel

Only one win this season – in a G2 at Royal Ascot – but very positive runs in G1s on his other three 2023 starts including a close fourth at Leopardstown last time. Not much improvement needed.

9 Royal Rhyme

In great form, impressively winning his last two starts – both at around this trip. However they have only been in handicap and Listed company so this represents a major rise in class.