William Haggas: Economics has needed every week since Ireland to come to his best for Saturday - he's ready to go now

William Haggas has stated his preference for Saturday’s Qipco Champion Stakes to be run on the outer course but feels big-race favourite Economics will be fine if the round-course races are switched to the inner track.

The going at Ascot is described as heavy, soft in places on the round course and if it stays that way or deteriorates by 8am on Thursday the round-course races will be moved.

More rain is expected in the coming days, with 6-8mm forecast on Wednesday and 20-25mm predicted before midday on Saturday.

Haggas said: “I would prefer the race to be run on the outer course but it is what it is. I never subscribed to the rule of switching to the inner course and would be happy to run on the outer course if it was fit. The inner course is a bit tighter but jumpers go around there so I'm sure it will be fine.

“Economics has won on fast ground this year and we'll see whether he copes with this easier surface. I think he'll be okay because I think he's very versatile. It will be top on the list of excuses if it all goes wrong I suppose!”

Economics (far side) fends off Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion StakesCredit: Caroline Norris

The Isa Salman Al Khalifa-owned three-year-old gained a first Group 1 win when beating Auguste Rodin by a neck in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last month and Haggas revealed in a Qipco-organised media call that it has taken some time for Economics to get over his exertions.

"Economics is a good horse and I wouldn't worry about the form in Ireland,” said Haggas. “It was a very tough race and he's needed every week to come to his best for Saturday. 

“Ricky [Hall] rides him every day and is very happy with him. His work last week was very nice but nothing strenuous – just enough to keep on top of him. He's ready to go."

Economics is the 5-4 favourite for the Champion Stakes, with six-length King Edward VII Stakes scorer and Juddmonte International second Calandagan next in the betting at 7-4.

Montassib: won the Sprint Cup at HaydockCredit: John Grossick Racing

Haggas will be doubly represented in the Champions Sprint with Sprint Cup winner Montassib, who will be ridden by Cieren Fallon, and Tom Marquand's mount Unequal Love, who finished third at Haydock.

He said: "I just can't figure out Montassib. He's been very good since dropping back to six furlongs but he keeps pricking his ears when he gets to the front, which makes you think there is a bit left. I've always thought he wanted really soft ground, so he's going to get it.

"He's such a relaxed horse that I always felt he would stay further and I spent about two years running him over further. Now I seem to have got his right trip he has upped his game a bit. He's still relatively unexposed at six furlongs – he has surprised me in the right way.

"I think he will do really well to beat Kind Of Blue because Kind Of Blue was on the speed at Haydock and maintained that gallop, whereas all the others came from behind. Unequal Love ran a great race at Haydock. I have been concerned about the soft ground for her but there's nothing else for her and she will take her chance."

Qipco Champion Stakes (3.55 Ascot, Saturday)

Ladbrokes: 5-4 Economics, 7-4 Calandagan, 7 Los Angeles, 12 Iresine, 16 King's Gambit, 25 bar

Qipco British Champions Sprint (1.55 Ascot, Saturday)

bet365: 7-2 Kinross, 9-2 Montassib, 6 Kind Of Blue, 7 Unequal Love, 8 Flora Of Bermuda, 9 Mill Stream, 12 Beauvatier, 16 bar

Read more . . .

Los Angeles could take on Economics and Calandagan in red-hot Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday 

Economics and Calandagan remain on course for mouthwatering clash as fields for British Champions Day at Ascot take shape 

'He's right where we want him' - Economics delights William Haggas in key piece of work before Champion Stakes 

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