Champion Stakes to be run on outer track

The Champion Stakes will be run on the normal outer track after Ascot scrapped plans to run the 10-furlong (2000m) showpiece on the inner course.

Officials decided to switch the race back to the normal course following the latest weather forecast that suggests less rain is expected than previously forecast between now and Saturday.

The going on the outer track was described as good, good to soft on Wednesday, while it is good to firm, firm in places on the inner.

With only about five millimetres of rain now expected, clerk of the course Chris Stickels does not expect conditions to alter significantly.

“We had 1.5mm of rain on Wednesday morning. The forecast doesn’t look like we’ve got much rain to come,” Stickels said.

“We may get between 2.5 mils but that won’t affect that inner track too much. The outer track at the moment is good, good to soft in places.”

French horse Almanzor remains the 13-8 favourite ahead of Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Found at 3-1 for the British season’s finale.

Former Melbourne Cup favourite Order Od St George is odds-on to win the Long Distance Cup.