Mishriff to skip Arc bid in favour of second tilt at the Champion Stakes

Mishriff, the joint top-rated horse in Europe, is to bypass a crack at next month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for another tilt at the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 16, it has been revealed.

The top-class four-year-old, trained by John and Thady Gosden, put up his best display when slamming Alenquer by six lengths in the Group 1 Juddmonte International at York last month which moved him on to a BHA rating of 127, the equal of his old rival St Mark’s Basilica.

A general 12-1 chance for the Arc, Mishriff is instead to stick to a mile and a quarter for a second crack at the Champion Stakes in which he finished only eighth to Addeybb a year ago.

Since then, the son of Make Believe has racked up wins in the Saudi Cup and the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic before finishing in the money in the Coral-Eclipse and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes over a mile and a half at Ascot.

Mishriff (maroon and white silks, pictured here finishing second in the King George) is set to return to Ascot next monthCredit: Edward Whitaker

He then dropped back in trip at York to post his most impressive win under retained rider David Egan.

John Gosden said: “After discussions with owner Prince Faisal it has been decided that Mishriff will have his next race in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot. We feel we should stick to a mile and a quarter with him rather than a tough mile and a half in Paris as he’s not short of speed and he won over nine furlongs in Saudi Arabia."

Mishriff is as short as 7-4 favourite for the Ascot feature where he could potentially face a rematch with St Mark’s Basilica, who he finished behind in the Eclipse.

Gosden added: “Mishriff has come out of his York win in great shape and we feel he’s a stronger horse this year, which should stand him in good stead for an autumn campaign.”

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