Jack Hobbs to bat away rivals at Ascot

Jack Hobbs, named in honour of one of England's greatest cricketers, is the horse to beat in Saturday's Champion Stakes at Ascot as trainer John Gosden seeks to add further shine to his golden season.

The £1.3 million ($2 million, 1.76 million euros) ten furlong prize is one of the showpieces of Champions Day where in 2012 the mighty Frankel signed off his racing career in style.

Jack Hobbs is the 5-4 ante-post favourite for Saturday's edition on the strength of his performances in claiming the Irish Derby and his eye-catching second to stablemate Golden Horn in the Epsom Derby.

He runs two weeks after Golden Horn landed Gosden's first Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp under a masterful ride from Frankie Dettori.

While Gosden believes Jack Hobbs has the speed to prevail at Ascot, he expressed concern Thursday over his wide draw.