Addeybb comes through key gallop ahead of history-making Champion Stakes bid

Addeybb is on course to attempt to win back-to-back runnings of the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week after coming through a crucial workout on Newmarket's Rowley Mile at the weekend.

While bookmakers were packing up their boards after Sun Chariot day in the rain on Saturday, the seven-year-old appreciated the easy underfoot conditions when pulling clear of two stablemates over a mile.

William Haggas's globetrotter will bid to become the first seven-year-old in 134 years to land the Group 1 centrepiece on Champions Day, although in those days it was staged at Newmarket.

Haggas had hoped to get a prep run into Addeybb, who accounted for Skalleti and Magical at Ascot a year ago, but was unable to this time around due to unsuitable ground conditions.

Addeybb warms down after his workout

He said: "I was very pleased with Addeybb. He did exactly what I wanted and we needed to get a blow into him ahead of the Champion Stakes. We were going to work him before racing on Saturday but there hadn't been enough rain so we waited until after racing when it was a bit softer as it rained. He's had a nice blow and now we're on schedule."

Champion Stakes card and betting

He added of the gelding who will be making his fourth successive appearance on Champions Day: "He had to have a stretch as we couldn't get a prep race into him. We were going to run him at Goodwood but it was too firm and then in the Doonside Cup at Ayr where the ground initially wasn't too bad but the forecast changed."

The last horse to win the Champion Stakes in successive years was Cracksman in 2017 and 2018.

As for his other likely runners at Ascot, Haggas added: "Hamish and Roberto Escobarr are possibles for the stayers' race, Baaeed goes in the QEII while Johan, Montatham and Aldaary go for the Balmoral Handicap."

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