Some of the best European horses will be on show this Saturday for the prestigious Champion’s Day at Ascot, which stages no fewer than four Gr.1 events. Although scant in number, French interests will nonetheless be represented, and not without chance of success either.

In the Champion Stakes, Horizon Doré has been installed as clear favourite, in part thanks to his recent facile Prix Dollar victory, but has, unusually, yet to run at the highest level. Part-owner, Haras de la Gousserie, won the race in 2021 with Sealiway, and if the Patrice Cottier-trained gelding imposes this weekend, Kamel Chehboub will have justified the 50% acquisition he made after the horse won a Marseille Listed last October. Twice beaten by Big Rock earlier in the season, he has been sensational since and, while he looks to have a promising future on the international stage, he first needs to establish his credentials in Europe, which will be no mean feat against the likes of King Of Steel, Bay Bridge, and Mostahdaf.

A pair of cross-Channel raiders line up for the coveted QEII, recent Prix du Moulin runner-up, Big Rock, and third-placed Facteur Cheval. Christopher Head’s colt has had a remarkable season, finishing second in no fewer than three successive Gr.1 races. Second to Ace Impact in the Prix du Jockey-Club, second to Inspiral in the Prix Jacques le Marois, and second to Sauterne in the Moulin. Clearly deserving of a maiden top-flight win, Big Rock will still be up against his tough compatriot, Factuer Cheval, the horse that made Paddington sing for his supper in the Sussex Stakes. Only a half-length off Head’s colt last time out, Jérôme Reynier’s gelding is not incapable of turning the tables. 295 words to here and this last sentence works well as a closing phrase 

Fine 4th in the Prix Vermeille before confirming in the Prix de Royallieu on Arc weekend, Rue Boissonade takes her chances in the Fillies & Mares Stakes. Undeniably a filly of considerable class, whether she has the capacity to perform in such exalted company, remains to be seen. Plainly not cut from the same cloth as the other French visitors, she is courageous however, and can pick up some prizemoney.