Christophe Soumillon booked for QEII dark horse who trainer says has 'massive chance' despite 50-1 odds

Trainer William Knight believes Checkandchallenge has a "massive chance" of making it third time lucky in Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, and has booked Belgian ace Christophe Soumillon to ride the five-year-old 

Checkandchallenge has finished fourth in the Group 1 in the last two years and was ridden by William Buick when well beaten behind Big Rock last season. 

However, Knight believes the son of Fast Company is in the form of his life after two placed efforts, including when third to See The Fire in the Group 3 Strensall Stakes at York in August.

The winner gave the form a boost when third to Tamfana in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes, and Checkandchallenge went on to finish second to Skellet in a Listed contest at Sandown last month.

Checkandchallenge and Christophe Soumillon return to the Deauville winner's enclosure after the Prix DaphnisCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Knight said: "I think Checkandchallenge has a massive chance in the QEII at Ascot on Saturday. He has shown in the past he likes the track and he won't mind how much rain they get as he loves the mud.

"I knew Christophe was coming over anyway so we've booked him as he knows the horse and the last time he rode him they won a Group 3 together at Deauville."

Checkandchallenge is a best-priced 50-1 in a market headed by multiple Group 1 winner Charyn.

Former French champion Soumillion has already picked up the ride on Vafortino in the Group 1 British Champions Sprint and will also partner the Michael Bell-trained Carrytheone, a leading fancy for the Balmoral Handicap. 

Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (3.15 Ascot, Saturday)

William Hill: 5-4 Charyn, 6 Tamfana, 8 Metropolitan, Facteur Cheval, Prague, Henry Longfellow, 12 bar.

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