The twist in the narrative at the end of the Champion Stakes on Saturday was so unexpected that Anmaat and Jim Crowley crossed the line in near-silence, having stifled the celebrations of favourite-backers by sweeping past Calandagan, the 6-4 market leader, a few strides from the line. For Crowley, though, it was a moment to savour and the sound of a job well done, not least after the disappointment of his defeat on the long odds-on Baaeed in the same race two years ago.
Only two of the 11 runners in the race set off at a bigger price than Anmaat, who was a 40-1 chance despite having won the Group One Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp in May 2023 on his only previous start at the highest level. A long absence through injury followed that success, and while he was a winner again at Haydock in August, a poor run when favourite for the Prix Dollar at Longchamp a fortnight ago persuaded most backers to look elsewhere.
