Jockey Kieran Shoemark is targeting a strong showing at Champions Day this Saturday, confident that Ten Bob Tony can deliver a major upset in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot. The Ed Walker-trained five-year-old, who won the Queen Anne Stakes in June as an unexpected 50-1 outsider, has continued to demonstrate high-class form in subsequent races. Most recently, Ten Bob Tony finished strongly in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp, narrowly missing out on victory.

Despite these performances, Ten Bob Tony remains somewhat overlooked in the betting market, currently priced at 10-1 for the one-mile Group 1 event. Godolphin’s Talk Of New York leads the standings as the 11-4 favorite. Shoemark, 30, noted the horse’s significant improvement over the season, describing him as a “top-class miler” who has consistently backed up his Queen Anne success with competitive Group 1 placings.

In addition to his mount in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Shoemark will ride Almaqam in the Champion Stakes. The horse, trained to be an “ultra-consistent” performer, finished third behind Calandagan in last year’s running of the race. Shoemark expressed optimism that Almaqam, who has been working well leading up to the event, is an improved contender this year. While hoping for softer ground conditions, the jockey acknowledged the horse’s fitness and recent sharp training sessions as positive indicators for his chances.

Champions Day at Ascot is one of the season’s premier racing fixtures, attracting top contenders from across Europe. Shoemark’s dual rides reflect his rising profile as a jockey capable of challenging among the elite, with his mounts poised to test the strength of this year’s fields.