Exciting Chindit and Albasheer clash in fascinating Champagne Stakes

1.50 Doncaster
bet365 Champagne Stakes (Group 2) | 7f | 2yo | ITV/Sky

Although just seven runners head to post for this year's Champagne Stakes, it looks an extremely exciting edition of a race often used as a stepping stone for some top mile prospects.

Won by the likes of Toronado (2012), Outstrip (2013) and Too Darn Hot (2018) in recent seasons, this year's Champagne could be seen as a match between two unbeaten colts who boast impressive course-and-distance form – Albasheer and Chindit.

The former is trained by Owen Burrows, who has had a resurgent season and could have another superstar on his hands with this son of Shamardal.

Albasheer was a market negative (17-2 from 7-1) ahead of his debut here in July but he bellied the drift with a glittering display. He broke on terms but was shuffled to the rear before scything through the field like a hot knife through butter to win by six and a half lengths without breaking sweat.

He was confidently pushed out under hands-and-heels riding by David Probert and achieved a Racing Post Rating of 92. The average winner of the Champagne runs to a mark around 115 and the time of his maiden victory wasn't outstanding (a second slower than the following novice event on the card), so improvement is needed.

Chindit has already proved himself at black-type level courtesy of a Listed success at Ascot last month after a demonstrative display on debut.

Richard Hannon rarely strikes with juveniles on debut and the form of his Ascot success was boosted when runner-up Cobh took the Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury next time, while third home Naval Crown dotted up in the Convivial at York's Ebor meeting.

He boasts the highest rating in the field (107) and Hannon has an exceptional record in the race (two victories in the last six years). Chindit is extremely highly regarded and should be favourite.

Devious Company (orange sleeves): has had six quick runs this summerCredit: David Davies

Fourth behind Chindit at Ascot was Saint Lawrence, who won the Denford Stakes last time but seems to have a tough ask reversing the form.

The proven horse in the race is Devious Company but surely his race-heavy summer will catch up with him sooner rather than later, though the return to seven furlongs will suit.

That leaves Irish challenger State Of Rest and Bronx, both of whom take big steps up in grade, and the potential joker in the pack, Mujbar.

The Charlie Hills-trained runner appears to be Hamdan Al Maktoum's second string on jockey bookings, but the son of Muhaarar took a huge step forward to win at Newmarket by seven lengths on his second outing and can't be ruled out if he remains on an upward trajectory.
Analysis by Tom Collins

What they say

Owen Burrows, trainer of Albasheer
I spoke to Sheikh Hamdan the night after he won on his debut and he felt he'd like the horse to have a bit of time after. There was the Listed race at Doncaster on Friday, but we let him tell us which race to go for and we're being bold. If he can finish in the frame in this type of race, it's a good run. He's in the Dewhurst, which made us opt for this because if he is a Dewhurst horse he needs to be among them in this. He's pretty good mentally and is a strong, well-put-together horse, while his work's been good. He does lack experience, but we're very happy with him and it's a good thing for me that Jim [Crowley] thinks he's picked the right one.

Shane Gray, rider of Broxi
It's a big ask but he's a consistent horse and I'm sure he'll run his usual race. He has more experience than some of them which will be a help.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Chindit
The form of his win in the Winkfield Stakes at Ascot couldn't have worked out any better and this race has been the plan ever since then. The ground is absolutely perfect and hopefully this will be a stepping stone towards bigger things because he’s a colt we've always held in the very highest regard and I'm really looking forward to seeing how far up the ladder he can go. He is an exciting prospect.

Saint Lawrence (second right) strides clear in the Denford StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

Roger Varian, trainer of Saint Lawrence
He's an improving colt who put his experience to good use to score at Haydock last time. This is a step up but will tell us more about him.

Richard Hills, assistant racing manager to Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of Mujbar
He needed the experience first time out and stepped up on that when scoring in good style at Newmarket. It was soft that day but he's versatile as regards ground and has a good shout.

Reporting by David Milnes

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