Horse-by-horse guide to the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes
We preview Saturday’s renewal
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is the highlight of a seven-race card at Ascot on Saturday, with eight runners pencilled in after Thursday’s deceleration stage.
Famous names including Mill Reef, Nathaniel and Enable have all triumphed in this renewal in the past. But who will finish first past the post this time around? The Coral News Team is on hand with a horse-by-horse guide to preview the race.
Poet’s Word
Sir Michael Stoute’s hopeful is the ante-post favourite after landing the Prince of Wales’s Stakes from Cracksman at Royal Ascot last month. The raider has won two from three at trips beyond 1m 2f and must now continue that trend in a higher quality contest.
Crystal Ocean
Last year’s St Leger runner-up is three from three this term as he bids for a maiden Group 1 success. Won with plenty in hand in both victories over the distance already this season, including in the Hardwicke Stakes last time. Has the scope to come on once again.
Cracksman
Unlikely to run unless the heavens open between now and Saturday, and even then, doubts remain over whether the 2017 Champions Stakes winner will challenge. Lacked presence when landing the Coronation Cup at Epsom and subsequently beaten at Ascot by Poet’s Word. Others preferred.
Coronet
Fifth behind Capri in last year’s St Leger and narrow runner-up with a career-best effort in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Seven runs without a win at Group 1 level soften her credentials.
Hydrangea
Dual elite-level winner in 2017 but has failed to fire in 2018. Won on her only previous try at this distance in the British Champion Fillies and Mares Stakes, beating Coronet and Bateel.
Rostropovich
Hit the frame in both the King Edward VII Stakes and Irish Derby, although they were poor renewals. Unlikely to challenge even if he receives the run of the race.
Salouen
Won twice in 18 runs and not since 2016, when landing a Salisbury maiden. Pushed Cracksman close in the Coronation Cup (33/1), and while 1m 4f does appear to be his trip, it’d be a surprise to see the colt challenge on Saturday.
Desert Encounter
Soundly beaten in his last four runs in top-level company and a second-place behind Emotionless in a Listed contest last week does little to enhance his claims.
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
