The 2024 Champion Stakes is set to showcase an exciting competition between Economics and Calandagan, two of the season's top flat racing stars. While both contenders present compelling resumes, Calandagan is preferred due to exceptional form demonstrated against top competitors. However, King's Gambit emerges as a strong each-way betting candidate, having shown consistent improvement in previous races and offering great value at 20/1 odds. Despite the challenges from other horses, the ten-furlong stakes present an opportunity for King's Gambit to secure a notable finish.
Odds and predictions for the 2024 Champions Stakes
This Group One takes place on Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 19th October
We've backed King's Gambit against Economics and Calandagan
Expired
Economics tops the betting after his victory in the Irish Champion Stakes. (Getty)
The fourth and final Group One to be held on British Champions Day is the Champion Stakes. Many of flat racing's most famous names have won this ten-furlong contest and two of this season's stars will clash in Saturday's renewal.
Here's our free guide to the 2024 Champion Stakes, including our best betting tips.
2024 Champion Stakes Odds
Name
Odds
Economics
11/8
Calandagan
13/8
Los Angeles
15/2
Iresine
14/1
King's Gambit
20/1
Bar
33/1
Economics and Calandagan square off for the first time, in what could turn out to be one of the showdowns of the season. Economics has enjoyed a perfect campaign thus far and Tom Marquand's mount was good value for his Irish Champion Stakes win.
I would argue that Calandagan's runner-up finish to City Of Troy is the best piece of form on offer, given how much ground he made up from off the pace. Francis-Henri Graffard's star relished softer conditions when scoring in a couple of Group Threes in the spring, and boasts valuable course form from that runaway success in the King Edward VII Stakes.
If I had to choose between the top two in the market, I'd come down on the side of Calandagan. I will probably have some sort of bet on the second favourite, but at their current prices, neither Economics nor Calandagan offer value for money.
William Buick riding King's Gambit win The Trade Nation London Gold Cup Handicap at Newbury. (Getty)
2024 Champion Stakes Tips - King's Gambit
Although ten horses have been confirmed in opposition to the big two on British Champions Day, most don't seem to stand much of a chance. Los Angeles would be a worthy adversary over a mile-and-a-half, but I'm worried about this drop back in trip.
I was looking at See The Fire, who I'm sure will be much more effective over this ten-furlong trip than she was in the Sun Chariot. However, Oisin Murphy has decided to partner with KING'S GAMBIT who, at 20/1, could be the best value option in this contest.
Harry Charlton's star bolted up in the London Gold Cup on his reappearance. King's Gambit has since finished second to the classy Jayarebe at Royal Ascot, second behind another strong rival in Alflaila in the York Stakes, and third behind Los Angeles and Illinois on his first crack at a mile-and-a-half in the Great Voltigeur.
Murphy's mount has won on soft ground before and a testing ten furlongs should suit him perfectly. Despite failing to win, King's Gambit has continued to progress since that London Gold Cup triumph and he's got every chance of snatching third place behind the two proven superstars.
I'd favour Calandagan over Economics in a match-race between the top two. However, King's Gambit appeals most in the each-way market. 20/1 is decent value.
Best Bet1: King's Gambit E/W 2024 Champion Stakes Tips @20/1 at bet365 - 5 Units
Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad
