Whether it be Kyprios’ triumphs at Royal Ascot and Goodwood, Hollie Doyle’s historic wins in the French Oaks and Nassau Stakes, or Desert Crown’s victory in the Epsom Derby – there’s no denying that we have been treated to an incredible season of flat racing in 2022 thus far. While the end of the season draws near, there are still a number of major meetings remaining on the schedule that will surely whet the appetite of fans and pundits alike.
With that in mind, read on as we take a look at some of the prominent races you can tune into between now and the end of October.
St Leger Stakes
Taking place over 1m6f at Doncaster in September, the St Leger Stakes is a Group 1 race open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. For those who bet horse racing, Godolphin’s New London has firmed as the red-hot favourite to take out the St Leger after King Edward VII Stakes winner Changingoftheguard and Irish Derby victor Westover were withdrawn from the race.
The Charlie Appleby-trained New London isn’t short on form, having won four of his first five outings, including three wins at Newmarket and a triumph in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood in July. While the field appears a little less competitive than it did a couple of weeks back, there is still a talented crop of horses that could challenge the 10/11 favourite come race day.
The two horses that appear most likely to upset the applecart on September 10th are Eldar Eldarov and Secret State, whose respective winning ratios of 75% and 66% make them serious contenders. If you believe New London can be toppled and are interested in betting on one of the main pre-race threats, Eldar Eldarov enters the race with odds of 6/1, while Secret State is at 8/1.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
The first Sunday of October is a date horse racing fans circle on their calendar every year. It’s easy to see why, with the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe delivering quality fields, dramatic storylines and elite races on seemingly every occasion. You have to look no further than 2021 winner Torquator Tasso, who shocked the racing world to win the mile-and-a-half affair at odds of 80/1.
2022’s main event at Paris Longchamp is shaping up to be yet another pick’em type race, with a number of world-class horses entered. With Baaeed expected to run at Champions Day at Ascot instead of in the Arc, the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Desert Crown will likely enter as the favourite.
However, with the likes of the in-form Alpinista, Titleholder, Vadeni and last year’s winner Torquator Tasso expected to saddle up, the 2022 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is far from a forgone conclusion.
Champion Stakes
In what is the main race of Britain’s richest day in horse racing, this year’s Champion Stakes at Ascot appears as though it will be an historic one. The fixture is open to thoroughbreds three years and older and has a prize purse of £750,000, which is down from the £1.3 million on offer last year. With William Haggas outlining his intention to run Baaeed at Champions Day before retiring him to stud, millions will watch on with incredible interest to see if the generational talent can finish his stellar career undefeated.
The 1m2f distance is right in Baaeed’s wheelhouse, and given the performance he put forth in his most recent showing up a trip at York, it’s hard to see him being challenged. At the time of writing, the three horses the bookies considered the most likely to foil Baaeed’s chances of retiring with an unblemished record were Vadeni, Nashwa and Mishriff.
