Irish Champion Stakes winner Economics set for blockbuster Ascot showdown with French ace Calandagan - as jockey insists he three-year-old is peaking at the right time

The blockbuster clash that Ascot officials craved on QIPCO Champions Day is on after French ace Calandagan was declared to tackle Economics.

Persistent rain in Berkshire means the Champion Stakes will now be run on the inner course — which usually stages jump racing — rather than Ascot's round track.

Economics, trained by William Haggas and a brilliant winner of the Irish Champion Stakes last month, has never run on such sodden ground before but connections are committed to going ahead.

So, too, are the Calandagan camp and it promises to provide an exceptional spectacle. Calandagan, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, was mesmerising when winning the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in June, then gave City Of Troy a fright at York.

Calandagan's jockey Stephane Pasquier is adamant the three-year-old is peaking at the right time. Owned by the Aga Khan, he has always been highly regarded and Pasquier is confident he will deliver.

'It's a strong race,' said Pasquier, whose rivals also include Los Angeles, who finished third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

'Calandagan did something so special at Ascot and again at York. He has a very good turn of foot and it would need something very special to beat him. In fact, it would need City Of Troy to beat him!'