Ribchester spot on for Champions Day

Trainer Richard Fahey believes he has Godolphin's Ribchester at his very best for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, one of the highlights of Saturday's 6th Qipco Champions Day at Ascot (UK).  "We're delighted with him," Fahey said. "He's had the perfect preparation for this race.  "He should get the right tempo (with a pacemaker in the field) this time. It should be run at the right pace," he added.

Ribchester faces 12 rivals, including the Ballydoyle filly Minding, who will revert to one mile for the first time since her second to Jet Setting in the G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh in May. 

Godolphin also have Promising Run lining up in the G1 British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes, over a mile and a half. The Saeed bin Suroor-trained filly will be partnered by newly-crowned champion jockey of Britain Jim Crowley.  Saeed said: "Promising Run is in good condition. This is a very competitive race, but I have been pleased with her at home."

The G1 Champion Stakes marks the reappearance of the John Gosden-trained Jack Hobbs, who will again carry the Royal Blue Godolphin silks.

The Irish Derby winner has continued to progress well at home, according to Gosden, who said: "We have been pleased with Jack Hobbs since his racecourse gallop at Kempton Park. It is obviously a top class race, and we are hopeful of a bold run from him.  "Although we do have some reservations about his wide draw since the first bend comes up quickly in the run to Swinley Bottom," he added.