Mickael Barzalona and Calandagan are being backed to bring up the hat-trick at AscotCredit: Edward Whitaker
The Champion Stakes (4.05) is the standout race on a stellar card at Ascot and Juddmonte International winner Ombudsman is a general 13-8 favourite.
However, the market behind him is shaping up quite nicely and French raider Calandagan, who was a very impressive winner of the King George at Ascot in July, is 5-2 second favourite with most firms.
The Aidan O’Brien-trained Delacroix was a general 7-2 price overnight, but he continues to be slightly overlooked in the market and is now priced between 4-1 and 9-2.
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Explaining some of the market movers, Paddy Power’s Paul Binfield said: “The French raider is the one who punters are coming for. He’s now 5-2 (from 11-4), which could be down to the combination of him chasing a hat-trick and Mr Graffard making some pretty strong statements.
“Ombudsman is solid enough as he remains the same price from overnight, but I do think punters think he’ll win the duel between himself and Delacroix, who at this stage is on the drift.”
Champion Stakes odds
Paddy Power:Â 13-8 Ombudsman, 5-2 Calandagan, 4-1 Delacroix, 12 Almeric, Economics, 28 First Look, Fox Legacy, Almaqam, 30 bar