British Spot Plays: Ascot Oct. 18

October 17th, 2025

For the first time in several years, Saturday's British Champions Day at Ascot appears likely to avoid the plague of extremely soft conditions that have sometimes led to questionable performances and results. It has also ensured the featured Champion (G1) over 1 1/4 miles has attracted the cream of Europe's male performers.

Although I cashed for a much smaller mutuel than anticipated with Pierre Bonnard in last week's Zetland (G3) at Newmarket, it wasn't enough to offset subsequent misses in the Autumn (G3) and Dewhurst (G1). Thus, the British bankroll stands at $236.30.

I will wager 5% of the outstanding balance to win on the following selections Saturday, beginning with a $12 punt:

Race 3: British Champions Sprint (G1), 9:05 a.m. ET

Unlike last year, #5 Kind of Blue (6-1) doesn't enter his title defense of this six-furlong dash off two near-miss losses in the Phoenix Sprint (G3) and Sprint Cup (G1). However, his performances in the same two preps this time weren't bad either.

After a slow beginning to his four-year-old season in which he finished well beaten in a French Group 3 and in an English one contested over the all-weather, Kind of Blue rebounded with respectable performances at the Curragh (third) and Haydock (second), while beaten less than two lengths in both.

Although he posted a 10-1 upset in this 12 months ago in a relative quagmire, Kind of Blue's career form suggests he's capable over any sort of footing. With a representative performance, he's sure to be in the mix and at a respectable price in this congested field of 20.

Race 4: British Champions Fillies & Mares (G1), 9:45 a.m. ET

This race tends to have a history of throwing winners that didn't necessarily have consistent Group 1 form throughout the season, defending titlist Kalpana being a case in point. Which entrant might be peaking at the right time to potentially post a mild upset? The three-year-old #9 Waardah (8-1) perhaps fits the bill.

Although her recent good form has come entirely on soft ground and over the specialist Goodwood course, Waardah has hardly been overraced (3-for-5), and she established her Group bona fides last out, beating older rivals in the Lillie Langtry (G2) over 1 3/4 miles. Though she will have to improve on that bare form, having beaten win-shy returning rival Danielle, she is far from exposed and enters this 1 1/2-mile test fresher than nearly everyone else in the field.

Race 6: Champion (G1), 11:05 a.m. ET

You have to admire the sporting nature of our friends overseas. On paper, this mouthwatering clash is expected to be dominated by Ombudsman, Delacroix, and Calandagan, but eight others are signed on as well.

There's not much value to be had on any of the three principals, frankly, but I also don't see all three being toppled. The choice, then, is #2 Calandagan (5-2), who likely would have won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) earlier this month if he had been eligible to run (he's a gelding).

After a string of tough beats in Group 1s last year and into this season (including as the 3-2 favorite in this race), Calandagan has finally figured out the winning formula with back-to-back successes in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (G1). I suppose the main drawback is that he's clearly a 12-furlong animal dropping back a quarter mile on a day when conditions aren't going to make it such a severe test of stamina. Regardless, his class figures to give him a huge chance, and more importantly, he won't be favored.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT