One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to follow on Saturday

Trainer

Frenchman Francis-Henri Graffard is looking to upset the apple cart at Ascot on Saturday. Only he and Martyn Meade train favourites outside of John Gosden's Clarehaven stables or Ballydoyle on the Champions Day card.

A win for Graffard, The Revenant and Arc-winning jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (3.20) could encourage more overseas interest in Ascot's autumn showpiece.

The Revenant: bidding to secure a win for France on Champions DayCredit: Edward Whitaker

With Magna Grecia currently second favourite, Graffard will look to deny Aidan O'Brien another Group 1 this season following this year's Coronation Stakes, which saw his Watch Me defeat Hermosa.

Jockey

Set to be crowned champion jockey for the first time after a sensational season, Oisin Murphy has rides in all six races at Ascot.

He holds an unassailable lead over Danny Tudhope in the Flat jockeys' championship, but the celebratory champagne will taste even sweeter should he also ride a winner on the card.

Benbatl: the mount of Oisin MurphyCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

His best chance of gracing the winner’s enclosure may be aboard Benbatl in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (3.20). Saeed bin Suroor’s globetrotter returned to England with a five-length thumping of King Of Comedy in the Joel Stakes at Newmarket.

Deirdre also provides Murphy with a good opportunity in the Champion Stakes (4.00).

Horse

Stradivarius is one of the stars on show at Ascot and if winning a second Long Distance Cup (2.10), he will once again take centre stage.

The chestnut boasts a ten-race unbeaten streak since May 2018 and he is undoubtedly Champions Day's main pull.

Stradivarius pictured winning last year's Long Distance CupCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

With Cracksman retired and Enable being saved for next year, Stradivarius will be free to strut his stuff clear of any shade. He is a class act and a defence of his title will deservedly steal the headlines.

Race

This year's Champion Stakes (4.00) looks to have an interesting field with last year's Fillies & Mares winner Magical at the head of the market.

She will be bidding for her fourth Group 1 following her fifth-placed effort in the Arc, having previously won the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown.

Irish Champion Stakes winner Magical will aim to add a fourth Group 1 to her CV on SaturdayCredit: Caroline Norris

The soft-ground loving Addeybb will be hoping to cause an upset. The five-year-old won the Listed Wolferton Stakes over the same course and distance at Royal Ascot and has been given a break since winning a Group 3 at Haydock.

John Gosden has won the last two renewals with Cracksman and this year he is represented by Coronet and Mehdaayih. The Japanese-trained Nassau Stakes winner Deirdre adds international lustre to the nine-runner affair.

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