It’s a blockbuster weekend for global horse racing as Foreign Friday takes us to Royal Randwick for The Everest and across the world to Ascot’s British Champions Day — the grand finale of the European flat season.
Tom and Rich break down every race with sharp analysis and commentary, tackling the world’s best turf sprinters, middle-distance stars, and classic stayers. Whether you’re chasing longshots or siding with favorites, these insights will keep you in the winner’s circle from start to finish.
🇦🇺 ROYAL RANDWICK – THE EVEREST
Tom’s Picks and Commentary
Race 7 – The Everest
1 – Ka Ying Rising
He’s the top-rated turf sprinter in the world now, going into this race off an average barrier trial. He’s lost twice at this distance (running second) and has outrun the competition in Hong Kong—big favorite.
10 – Lady Shenandoah
She ran a wide fourth last time out and sat seventh most of the race. She was moving nicely at the end. In her first start of the season, she ran second in a Group 3 at this track at 1000 m. She’ll sit back and needs room for a strong finish. The jockey chose another mount, but there’s still a top rider aboard.
9 – Joliestar
Won his only start this season at this track in a Group 2 race at 1100 m. A late runner who moves up on the turn — the distance suits, and he’s been money second-up.
Rich’s Commentary and Picks
Randwick Race 7: The Everest – 1:15 am ET
1 – Ka Ying Rising – kind of hard to get past 16/14-2
10 – Lady Shenandoah – rock solid at Randwick 4/3-1 and winner 5/7 on good
2 – Briasa – could pop in the 3rd up and strong at the distance 5/4-0-0
12 – Tempted – won both at Randwick – maybe prefers a little moisture
🇬🇧 ASCOT – BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY
Race 1 – Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
3 – Trawlerman
After Kyprios’ retirement, he’s been the dominant stayer, winning three in a row as favorite. This is his race to lose.
1 – Al Qareem
Won last time at Ascot over 12 furlongs by six lengths. Ran fourth to Trawlerman in August and third to Al Riffa in September.
Rich’s Commentary (7:55 am ET)
1 – Al Qareem – got to take a shot at beating the 1/2 favorite – won 3/4 at Ascot
2 – Trawlerman – has been stomping Group company
Race 2 – Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes (6 f)
Tom’s Picks
7 – Mission Central – Had trouble at Doncaster but won two prior, including a Group 3 at this distance.
9 – Siren Suit – Improved each start and won his third at Kempton. Cutting back to six furlongs tests his speed.
12 – Words of Truth – Awful debut but then won three straight at six furlongs; short-priced favorite off Group 2 win.
Rich’s Commentary (8:30 am ET)
2 – Division – undefeated in 3 at the distance and highest rated win
8 – Sir Albert – cutting back in distance could help as he wants to be forward
12 – Words of Truth – good horse winning 3 in a row, but the truth is he isn’t 3/5 good
3 – Egoli – longshot that showed signs of life in last – all or nothing 5/2-0-0
Race 3 – Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
5 – Kind of Blue – Runner-up to Big Mojo last time and third at the Curragh before. Due for a win.
12 – Ten Bob Tony – Third at Longchamp on soft ground; distance drop helps.
18 – No Half Measure – Won at 66-1 two back before a tough trip last out.
Rich’s Commentary (9:05 am ET)
7 – King Cuan – found his form last out while waiting for room – runs well in bunches
8 – Lazzat – winner 8/13 – gave it up as the Fav vs some of these last out
5 – Kind of Blue – ITM 7/8 at the distance and ran faster by about 1.2 seconds in last
3 – Inisherin – popped in last and only other 3rd up for a win at Ascot
Race 4 – Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
10 – Wemighttakedlongway – Fourth at Longchamp and second at the Curragh; needs the right trip.
5 – One Look – Consistent season; only concern is the outside draw.
2 – Estrange – Won three straight before running second to Minnis Hauk; distance fits.
Rich’s Commentary (9:45 am ET)
10 – Wemighttakedlongway – just missed in a Group I – better in 2nd up
8 – Bedtime Story – best runs on good footing and 1 for 1 at Ascot
2 – Estrange – runs hot off the bench – winning 3 of 4 with a second
3 – Kalpana – ITM 7/8 on turf and 3/3 at Ascot – but 3 races since Sept 25 might be too much
Race 5 – Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
10 – Fallen Angel – Three straight wins at a mile on good ground.
8 – Rosallion – Hard-luck horse of the year; just needs better timing.
5 – Facteur Cheval – Returns to a mile after unsuccessful longer runs.
Rich’s Commentary (10:25 am ET)
6 – Never So Brave – never lost at the distance 2/2 and runs hot off the bench
8 – Rosallion – Ascot 3/2-1-0 and Distance 7/2-4-1
4 – Docklands – ITM 7/7 at Ascot – 1st up a little shaky
11 – Field of Gold – hard to argue with fav status – but 3/2 is too rich
Race 6 – Qipco Champion Stakes (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
9 – Delacroix – Group 1 winner at Leopardstown; his best wins this.
3 – Economics – Hasn’t raced since last October but well-prepared.
2 – Calandagan – Twelve starts, never off the board; Ascot winner.
Rich’s Commentary (11:05 am ET)
3 – Economics – boom or bust pick off a year layoff
2 – Calandagan – never OTM in 12 starts – Ascot 3/2-1
6 – Ombudsman – should be top pick – 8/6-2-0 with a neck loss
8 – Almeric – goofy debut but three straight wins since; distance fits
Race 7 – Balmoral Handicap (1 m)
Tom’s Picks
8 – Great Acclaim – Moving up in class and improving; needs a clean trip.
1 – Holloway Boy – Layoff isn’t a concern; draw is.
5 – Ebt’s Guard – Forget last race; strong Ascot miler form.
Rich’s Commentary (11:40 am ET)
3 – Godwinson – if he’s going to win, it’s today – shines first up
2 – Native Warrior – best Ascot form of the group 3/2-0-1
13 – Crown of Oaks – never off the board in 6/2-0-4 – unlikely to win
12 – Shout – rolled late last out – extra distance helps
