This Saturday’s 2024 Ascot Champion Stakes is a race that is dividing opinion with most horse racing fans believing it’s a straight two-horse shootout between Economics and Calandagan – so to help settle the argument we asked our AI Supercomputer who is going to win.
This weekend’s British Champions Day at Ascot racecourse is the big horse racing highlight, with a star-studded cast of top European horses on show.
We’ve a six-race card to look forward to, that consists of four Group One races and over £2.3m in winning prize money on offer.
The Champion Stakes at 3:55pm is the most lucrative with £737,230 going to the winning horse – and despite there being 12 runners, many feel this year’s renewal is only about two horses – Economics and Calandagan – who are the joint Champions Day favourites with the best horse racing betting sites in the UK.
Economics was last seen beating the 2023 Derby winner Auguste Rodin at Leopardstown in the Irish Champion Stakes and will be looking for a famous double in the British version – the last horse to do just that was Magical in 2019.
While the French-trained Calandagan romped to a 6-length success in the King Edward VI Stakes at Royal Ascot in June and has since run the super-classy City Of Troy to a length in the Juddmonte International at York.
It’s clear horse racing lovers have been making strong cases for them both, but only on Saturday will those that get it correct be able to claim the bragging rights.
So, with that in mind, and to add another conundrum to the Champion Stakes debate – we asked the ChatGPT AI Supercomputer who will win.
Here’s what it churned out.
The 2024 Champion Stakes at Ascot is shaping up to be an intriguing and highly competitive renewal, with a field full of top-class talent. This Group 1 race over 1 mile and 2 furlongs is a highlight of British Champions Day and boasts a stellar lineup, with proven performers across Europe. Soft ground is expected, which will add an extra layer of challenge for some of the runners, and this prestigious race, with its increased prize fund, promises to be a thriller.
Given the field’s composition, the race is likely to be run at a strong and honest pace. Calandagan, who showed his versatility and front-running ability when dominating the King Edward VII Stakes by 6 lengths at Royal Ascot, is expected to press the pace early.
Economics, coming off a major win in the Irish Champion Stakes, and Royal Rhyme, a horse who likes to race prominently, are also expected to be near the pace. They will ensure a true test, especially with some rain-softened ground likely to play a role.
The likes of Nashwa and Continuous will probably sit just behind the leaders, waiting for their opportunity to strike as the race unfolds. Los Angeles, who finished third in the Arc, and Anmaat, who is known for his finishing kick, will likely be held up, looking to come with a late surge in the straight.
Horses like Iresine and Persica are known for staying on strongly, and their closing efforts will be key in the final stages, especially if the pace collapses up front.
As the race unfolds, Calandagan and Economics will likely take up the early running, setting a good pace and ensuring that the race is a true test of stamina over the 1 mile and 2 furlongs.
As they enter the home straight, Economics will look to kick clear, but Calandagan will dig deep to stay with him.
In the closing stages, expect Los Angeles to come flying from the back with a powerful late run, while Anmaat and Continuous also throw down strong challenges.
However, Economics, with his proven toughness and recent form, should have just enough to hold on for the win in what promises to be a tight finish.
Economics will edge out Los Angeles, who will finish strongly but may leave his run a touch too late. Calandagan will run a brave race and hold on for third after leading for much of the contest. Expect a thrilling finish with these three pulling clear of the rest.
📅Date: Saturday 19th October 2024
⌚Time: 3:55pm
🏇Racecourse: Ascot
💰Winning Purse: £737,230
📺 TV: ITV / Sky Racing
Economics is trained by William Haggas, who won the Champion Stakes at Ascot in 2020 with Addeybb and he’s back again to try and win this top horse racing prize.
This 3 year-old has been lightly-raced this season – running just four times but has won them all and in the process has catapulted himself up the middle-distance ranks.
His last win was his best yet – a neck success in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown (watch below) – beating the 2023 Epsom Derby winner Auguste Rodin.
Prior to that he beat another useful horse in Jayarebe in France and also took the Dante Stakes at York earlier this season.
That was his first Group One success, but he’ll be a popular pick to add another top-table win on Saturday in the British Champion Stakes – and the Supercomputer agrees.
Win, lose or draw, his connections have said they are expecting Economics to carry on running next season as a 4 year-old – so maybe he’ll be back for more Champion Stakes action in 2025.
Here at SportsCasting you can also get the best daily horse racing tips and expert advice from Andrew Mount, who provides his best bets and SpreadEx analysis each day.