The Qatar Racing Champion Stakes at Ascot will see a renewal of last year’s top three finishers as Calandagan, Ombudsman, and Almaqam return to contest the £1.3 million event on Saturday.

Calandagan, who decisively claimed victory in the race 12 months ago, has yet to recapture his previous form this season. Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the seven-year-old colt was outpaced by Kalpana in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July, raising questions about his current championship credentials. Despite this, Calandagan remains a 2-1 joint-favorite with Ladbrokes, sharing favoritism with Ombudsman.

Ombudsman, also rated at 2-1, impressed during the Royal Ascot meeting in June with a commanding win but subsequently finished a disappointing fourth behind Item in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York. His inconsistent recent form adds an element of uncertainty to the race.

Completing the trio from last year’s top finishers, Almaqam also returns with competitive prospects, though his recent performances have been less prominent.

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, taking place at the same meeting, features a competitive field of 11 runners with several strong contenders among the betting favorites. Gstaad, trained by Aidan O’Brien, and Godolphin’s Talk Of New York both head into the race as joint 3-1 favorites, highlighting the wide-open nature of this mile contest.

The upcoming races at Ascot are expected to attract significant attention, with several established stars seeking to confirm or reclaim their status in the upper echelons of European flat racing.