John Gosden is banking on the "autumn" factor to help Journey defend her crown in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

Journey could bid for back-to-back victories in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on October 21.

European-based Darley stallions produced 23 individual G1 victories in eight countries in 2016 with Dubawi leading the way and Australian shuttle sires playing their part.

Progeny by champion sires Galileo and Dubawi played their part but it was Almanzor, the sensational French colt by emerging sire Wootton Bassett, who took centre stage on the stellar QIPCO Champions Day program at Ascot on Saturday.

John Gosden was without a top-level victory since Golden Horn's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe masterpiece more than a year ago, but Journey put that right when she powered home under Frankie Dettori in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.