Trainers John and Thady Gosden are set to inspect the track at Ascot ahead of determining whether their horse, Ombudsman, will participate in the Champion Stakes scheduled for Saturday. The decision hinges on overnight and early morning rainfall, as the amount of precipitation will influence the condition of the track.

The Champion Stakes carries a prize of £1.3 million, and Ombudsman is among the declared runners. However, the connections are cautious about running the horse on soft ground. Thady Gosden noted that the team has been closely monitoring the weather forecast, which suggests the possibility of heavier rain than initially anticipated.

Should conditions at Ascot prove unfavorable due to a wet track, Ombudsman’s connections have indicated a preference to avoid running him on soft turf. In that event, they may opt to enter him in the Breeders’ Cup Turf later in the season.

Ombudsman has been reported to be in good form leading up to the race. The trainers emphasized their interest in competing at Ascot but remain committed to ensuring the horse’s health and performance are not compromised by unsuitable ground conditions. The official decision will be made after an inspection of the course on race day morning.