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Champions Day at Ascot is set to be a thrilling end to the 2023 Flat season, with top-class entries across Saturday’s card.
King Of Steel will be aiming to give Frankie Dettori a fairytale final ride in the Group 1 British Champion Stakes, taking on Juddmonte hero Mostahdaf and last year's winner Bay Bridge. France will be represented by Horizon Dore, who is searching for a fifth straight success following a comfortable victory in the Group 2 Prix Dollar at Longchamp. The Champion Stakes has been a happy hunting ground for France in recent years and trainer Patrice Cottier will be expecting a big performance from the current favourite.
Although three-time Group 1 winner Paddington remains in the Champion Stakes, the Siyouni three-year-old is expected to return to a mile for the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. He could face up to thirteen possible opponents, including another Classic winner in Tahiyra. Dermot Weld's filly has gone from strength to strength since her defeat to Mawj in the 1000 Guineas, picking up the Irish equivalent, the Coronation Stakes over course and distance followed by the Matron Stakes against older fillies and mares. John and Thady Gosden have entered both their star fillies - Inspiral and Nashwa - whilst 2000 Guineas hero Chaldean will be on the comeback trail for Andrew Balding.
Trueshan will be searching for a fourth straight victory in the Group 2 Long Distance Cup and arguably faces one of his toughest opponents in Aidan O'Brien's Kyprios. Last year's Prix du Cadran winner made a pleasing return after a lengthy absence in the Group 1 Irish St Leger when second behind Eldar Eldarov and racing fans should be treated to a thrilling duel between the pair.
Eighteen remain in the Group 1 British Champions Sprint, led by Kinross and Shaquille, whilst Free Wind heads the market for the Group 1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. She is joined by recent Group 1 Longchamp winner Sea Silk Road, the Charltons' Time Lock and Aidan O'Brien's Jackie Oh.
Thirty-two have been confirmed for the Balmoral Handicap, which is the closing race on the card.