Sulamani, generally second favourite for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, will pick up BHB’s £100,000 Middle Distance Championship should he win tomorrow’s feature race.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained five-year-old currently lies in eighth place in the Championship, which is determined by points picked up for finishing in the top six in races that make up the BHB Summer Triple Crown series.

Victory in the Juddmonte International, the final leg of the seven-race series, would earn Sulamani the 10 points he needs to overhaul his stablemate Doyen and Warrsan at the top of the table. Following the withdrawal of Rakti on account of the soft ground at York, Sulamani is the only horse that can affect the outcome of the Middle Distance Championship.

In the event of Sulamani not winning tomorrow, Doyen will be 2004’s Middle Distance Champion, emulating last year’s winner Falbrav. He is currently tied on 16 points with Warrsan, but will take the prize by virtue of having won one of the all-age races in the series, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot last month.

The £100,000 prize will be distributed as additional prize money, ensuring a healthy payout for stable staff as well as the connections of the winner.

BHB Marketing Director Chris John said: “Because of intense competition, no horse has been able to win the Summer Triple Crown in its new format this year (any three legs from four in the series), but the Middle Distance Championship ensures that a major prize goes to the most consistent performer at the highest level.

“The Championship is heading for a fascinating finale, with Sulamani bidding to pinch the prize from his stablemate Doyen. Either would be a worthy winner, having performed with distinction in our top races over the summer.”

BHB MIDDLE DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERS

16 Doyen

16 Warrsan

10 Ouija Board

10 North Light

10 Rakti

10 Refuse To Bend

8 Powerscourt

7 Sulamani

The Middle Distance Championship points scoring system is 10-6-4-3-2-1 for the first six home in each of the seven races.