Punters plunge for French fancy Skalleti in Champion Stakes

Magical is a solid favourite to claim a second consecutive Qipco Champion Stakes (3.40), but there has been support for French challenger Skalleti.

Trained by Jerome Reynier, Skalleti is yet to tackle Group 1 company, but comes into the race chasing a hat-trick and was a winner on Arc weekend in the Group 2 Prix Dollar.

Skalleti is now 17-2 (from 11) for the Champion Stakes, with Magical heading the market at 6-4. Mishriff has been weak all morning, and is now out to 5-1, having been an 11-4 chance on Friday evening.

Dream Of Dreams is an uneasy favourite for the Champions Sprint (1.55) and is out to 3-1 (from 9-4), with Starman and Art Power being backed for the Group 1.

Following a dry night, the going is now described as soft on the straight course at Ascot (from soft, heavy in places), while it is soft, heavy in places on the round course.

San Donato has been scratched from the Champion Stakes due to the ground, with Dubai Station the other non-runner on the card in the Sprint.

Chris Stickels, clerk of the course at Ascot, said at 11am: "There is a chance with a dry morning that we may go to soft on the straight course, remaining soft, heavy in places on the round course. It was dry overnight and we are expecting a dry if overcast day."

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