October 21 / 15.05 Ascot

15.05

Soft

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By Qipco) (Group 1) (British Champions Mile)

  • Prize money: £655709.37
  • 1m 0f 0y
  • Class 1
  • 11 runners
ITV
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Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored By Qipco) (Group 1) (British Champions Mile)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/2 (Won)

  • Win: £6.15
  • Place: £1.45

Form: 111222 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Smart French colt who has form figures of 1111222 (over 1m-10.5f) for current yard; solid second in the French Derby, Jacques le Marois and Moulin since upped to Group 1 level; acts on heavy ground; threatening to win a race of this nature and has to be feared; front-runner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

(3)

18th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Ascot

Big Rock

9st 2lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: Maurizio Guarnieri

French colt whose form dipped in the Lockinge on stable/seasonal debut, having been unable to dominate in his usual manner (Audience had the overall lead); progressive otherwise and may rebound with that reappearance under his belt; top rated on his peak performance, namely a 6l success in soft-ground QEII over C&D last October (final start for Christopher Head).

5/1

6th

2

(9)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Big Rock

9st 2lb

J: Aurelien Lemaitre

T: Maurizio Guarnieri

Front-running French colt who did well last year for Christopher Head and ties in closely with Inspiral on Marois running; unchallenged in soft-ground QEII at Ascot on final start, winning by 6l having raced in clear lead from an early stage; impressive new rating puts him top in this field.

2/1

6th

2

(9)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newbury

Big Rock

9st 2lb

J: Aurelien Lemaitre

T: Maurizio Guarnieri

Front-running French colt who did well last year for Christopher Head and ties in closely with Inspiral on Marois running; unchallenged in soft-ground QEII at Ascot on final start, winning by 6l having raced in clear lead from an early stage; impressive new rating puts him top in this field.

2/1

14/1

  • Place: £3.55

Form: -32323 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
French gelding who was 5-7 last year and has maintained a high level of form in defeat this term; ties in with Paddington and Big Rock on Sussex/Moulin results; acts on heavy ground; another creditable effort is on the cards for this consistent performer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(11)

18th Oct 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:25 Ascot

Facteur Cheval

9st 6lb

J: Mickael Barzalona

T: J Reynier

Runner-up in this race in the last two seasons; those were run on soft going but he won a good-ground Group 1 at Meydan last year; failed to stay 1m2f at Royal Ascot latest and has each-way claims now back at 1m.

18/1

6th

4

(4)

18th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:20 Ascot

Facteur Cheval

9st 2lb

J: Flavien Prat

T: J Reynier

His last 11 races have been Group 1, winning one at Meydan (1m1f Dubai Turf) in March 2024; less competitive than usual in his three starts this January-April but never-nearer sixth of 11 back in the Dubai Turf last time was respectable; twice runner-up in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes over the straight 1m here on soft ground, plus third last year in the Sussex at Goodwood on good to firm, but he needs to show something new if he's to win this, as he's never been beyond 9.5f.

18/1

2nd

3

(3)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:15 Ascot

Facteur Cheval

9st 6lb

J: Maxime Guyon

T: J Reynier

6l second in this last year (soft) and won the Group 1 Dubai Turf at Meydan (1m1f, good) this March; returned to form with creditable third of five in Group 1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood (1m, good to firm) in July last time and he might not be far away.

15/2

3rd
11 (10)
Tahiyra

7/2

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1-2111 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 0lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Acts on soft; esteemed Irish filly who was impressive in both 2yo starts; clear second in the 1,000 Guineas then went one better in the Irish version, before the Coronation Stakes (on the round course here) and Matron saw her complete a Group 1 hat-trick; behind a couple of these rivals on the figures but gives the impression she may still rate higher and either way she's one of the main contenders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

11

(10)

21st Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Tahiyra

9st 0lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

dwelt start, travelled strongly, held up in rear, headway into midfield over 4f out, went second and chased clear leader but hung right over 2f out, no extra and lost second towards finish

7/2

1st

12

(4)

9th Sep 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Leopardstown

Tahiyra

9st 2lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

in touch with leaders, smooth headway and prominent 2f out, shaken up to lead inside final furlong, ridden clear inside final 110yds

10/11

1st

7

(3)

23rd Jun 2023

Good

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:20 Ascot

Tahiyra

9st 2lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: D K Weld

Her Moyglare Stud Stakes success (on soft going) was the best performance by a 2yo filly in Europe last year; clear second in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on reappearance despite not being quite at peak condition (a couple of weeks behind, according to trainer), then went one better in the Irish version at the Curragh (on good ground) where she was pushed out to beat Meditate and took record to 3-4; has now finished in front of that Ballydoyle rival on three occasions; top on the figures and gives the impression she hasn't reached her peak; strongly respected.

4/7

OUR TIP

Form: -48745 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Yet to win above Group 3 level; fourth in this race last year (also ran well on very soft in France the time before) but the balance of his 2023 form, latterly over 1m2f, suggests that effort is far from certain to be repeated; came up short in the Lockinge when last seen over 1m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

(10)

16th May 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

17:00 Newbury

Checkandchallenge

9st 11lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: William Knight

7yo who's spent the vast majority of his career in Group or Listed races and this time last year he was fifth on this card in the Group 1 Lockinge; only his second handicap when, like so many others, he met traffic problems in the Spring Cup over C&D (28-1) four weeks ago; Rossa Ryan gets back on board and they are not totally dismissed.

20/1

10th

1

(23)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:10 Newbury

Checkandchallenge

9st 12lb

J: Callum Shepherd

T: William Knight

Pretty consistent in Listed/Group races in 2025 without performing to his very best; losing sequence now stands at 18 and he reappears after seven months off in his first handicap since July 2022; cheekpieces left off and others preferred.

25/1

9th

3

(6)

24th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Checkandchallenge

9st 4lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: William Knight

Retains plenty of ability and finished nicely for respectable effort in 1m Group 3 at Haydock most recently; going back up in trip looks a positive but his long losing sequence remains a negative.

20/1

Form: 321520 CD

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Proved suited by the drop to 1m at Royal Ascot, winning the Duke of Cambridge Stakes on good ground; best effort since when second to Tahiyra in the Matron two starts ago, so her three clearly best efforts have been on good; smart filly on her day but needs a career best to land this prize.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

15th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

14:25 Curragh

Rogue Millennium

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

in touch with leaders

13/2

3rd

2

(1)

12th Jul 2024

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket (July)

Rogue Millennium

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

raced centre alone, prominent, pressed leader over 2f out, lost second 1f out, kept on

9/1

Form: 421323 D

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Three-time Group 1 winner against her own sex, most recently by 5l in this year's Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket when taking record over 1m to 2-2; has remained in form back at 1m2f since, most recently a close third in the Irish Champion Stakes having come from a difficult position; acts on soft; very good filly who is still unexposed as a miler and holds solid claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

5

(9)

19th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

15:55 Ascot

Nashwa

9st 4lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

High-class performer on her day, being a triple Group 1 winner (1m-10.5f); however, there has a doubt over current form, having been well below best in three runs since finishing third in last year's Irish Champion Stakes; yet to score on ground slower than good to soft.

40/1

5th

2

(3)

5th Oct 2024

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Newmarket

Nashwa

9st 5lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

High-class mare, a triple Group 1 winner from 1m-10.5f; better than ever in 2023 but signed off that campaign with a poor run at Ascot and could finish only ninth of 16 in the Dubai Turf at Meydan on her sole outing so far this year; now returns from six months off with a bit to prove, but like her stablemate Inspiral she'll be a major player if rediscovering her spark.

9/2

6th

8

(3)

21st Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Nashwa

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: John & Thady Gosden

dwelt start, towards rear, no impression

4/1

25/1

Form: 261741 D

Last run: 56 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Two Group 1 wins on French soil as a 2yo; led close home in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood eight weeks ago, taking record on going softer than good to 6-8; faces a stiffer task in this field but slow ground would boost his chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(1)

21st Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Angel Bleu

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

in touch with leaders, lost position 4f out, weakened from over 2f out

25/1

1st

2

(3)

26th Aug 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Goodwood

Angel Bleu

9st 6lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

midfield, waiting for room over 2f out, ridden and switched left against near rail 1f out, headway final furlong, ran on well to lead towards finish

10/1

4th

3

(4)

15th Jul 2023

Good To Firm

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

14:20 Ascot

Angel Bleu

9st 3lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Added to his good record on softer than good when resuming winning ways in 7f Haydock Listed race last month; shaped better than the result after meeting trouble when seventh of 12 in the Queen Anne over the straight 1m here (good) at the Royal meeting; big run on the cards if the ground eases.

9/2

Form: 550154 D

Last run: 22 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Acts on heavy; reappearance win commenced his spell at about 1m2f; proved suited by the drop back to 1m at Glorious Goodwood but has failed to build on that Group 3 success in two subsequent runs; towards the bottom of this pack on the figures.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

(6)

30th May 2026

Good

1m 1f 0y

Class 4

18:42 Lingfield

Epictetus

9st 5lb

J: William Carver

T: Jamie Osborne

Things didn't pan out his way on first crack at 1m4f here last time (AW) and that was another in-form effort; has found his level again but wants a good test over this trip, he hasn't won in a long time and has become inconsistent on turf.

7/1

3rd

2

(5)

12th May 2026

Standard

1m 4f 0y

Class 4

20:20 Lingfield (AW)

Epictetus

9st 10lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Beaten half a length or less in his last three goes on the AW (7f-9.5f), but losing run up to 22 and has never attempted this far before; others safer.

5/1

2nd

1

(5)

27th Apr 2026

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Epictetus

9st 9lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Jamie Osborne

Has gone close recently and was only beaten half a length at Lingfield (1m, AW) 13 days ago but is without a win since landing a Group 3 for the Gosdens three years ago; looks sure to be thereabouts once again.

7/2

2/1

Form: 111113 C BF

Last run: 59 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Ballydoyle colt whose impressive sequence of wins included the Irish 1,000 Guineas, St James's Palace, Eclipse and Sussex; combination of faster ground (good to firm) and the effects of a very busy campaign can excuse his defeat in the International at York when last seen (unable to complete an eight-timer but still ran creditably on the figures); acts on heavy; comes back fresh following a deserved two-month break and remains worthy of great respect; top on ratings.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(5)

21st Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Paddington

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

took keen hold, prominent, lost position after 2f, weakened over 2f out, eased final furlong

2/1

3rd

3

(2)

23rd Aug 2023

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Paddington

9st 1lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

raced in second

8/13

1st

6

(4)

2nd Aug 2023

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Goodwood

Paddington

9st 3lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

bumped rival start, took keen hold, made virtually all, joined over 3f out, pushed along and led narrowly against near rail over 1f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong, went clear towards finish

4/9

10/1

Form: 1-U127 D BF

Last run: 104 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Front-runner/races prominently; acts on soft; flopped in the Prix Jean Prat when last seen, when the race possibly came too soon after his second to Paddington at Royal Ascot; progressive otherwise and may bounce back but he won a substandard edition of the 2,000 Guineas, with the form having largely worked out disappointingly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

(9)

21st Oct 2023

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Chaldean

9st 3lb

J: Frankie Dettori

T: Andrew Balding

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, went second over 4f out, chased clear leader over 3f out, weakened quickly over 2f out, eased over 1f out

10/1

2nd

1

(1)

20th Jun 2023

Good

0m 7f 213y

Class 1

16:20 Ascot

Chaldean

9st 2lb

J: Frankie Dettori

T: Andrew Balding

led, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong

2/1

1st

2

(3)

6th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

16:40 Newmarket

Chaldean

9st 2lb

J: Frankie Dettori

T: Andrew Balding

Races prominently and can make the running; can battle too, as he showed when taking care of Indestructible in the Acomb at York and the Champagne on soft ground at Doncaster, before holding on by a head from Royal Scotsman in the Group 1 Dewhurst here on good (unraced on firmer); mishap leaving the stalls at Newbury two weeks ago prevented any assessment of his progress from two to three, but he was one of the top 2yos and may well stay 1m.

13/2

11th
7 (2)
Hi Royal

66/1

Form: -42399 D

Last run: 69 days

W: 9st 3lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Good second to Chaldean on soft in the 2,000 Guineas, outrunning his 125-1 odds, then third to Paddington in the Irish version; failed to back up that form in two top races at Deauville, leaving him with something to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

1

(13)

20th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

13:15 Ayr

Hi Royal

9st 13lb

J: Shane Gray

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays but his only success remains a C&D novice win at the 2022 Western meeting; two good placed efforts over 1m at Thirsk this year but well held at Ascot latest and others are preferred for the win again.

16/1

3

(13)

5th Sep 2025

Soft

1m 0f 0y

Class 2

16:40 Ascot

Hi Royal

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Kevin Ryan

Soft-ground second in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023; smart handicapper nowadays who still has just one novice success to his name; went close in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good) on reappearance and it was a step back in the right direction when close third of five at that track (also 1m, good to firm) last month; hasn't shone in three starts here (admittedly twice in Group 1s) but handicapper is gradually relenting.

20/1

2

(4)

2nd Aug 2025

Good To Firm

0m 7f 218y

Class 2

16:40 Thirsk

Hi Royal

9st 12lb

J: Oisin McSweeney

T: Kevin Ryan

Runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas in 2023 but just a useful handicapper nowadays; comes into the reckoning on his second in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (good ground) on reappearance but hasn't repeated the form and carries risks.

6/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £77.70
Straight Forecast £68.53
Tricast £276.29
Trifecta £269.80

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Paddington

SPOTLIGHT:

Nashwa

The Star:

Big Rock

The Times:

Tahiyra

Daily Mirror:

Chaldean

D Express:

Facteur Cheval

NEWMARKET:

Checkandchallenge

Telegraph:

Angel Bleu

TOPSPEED:

Paddington

POSTDATA:

Paddington

The Guardian:

Paddington

Daily Mail:

Paddington

The Sun:

Paddington

Daily Record:

Nashwa