King George day: Ascot tips, racecards and previews for the meeting this Saturday
THE stage is set for an epic renewal of the King George at Ascot on Saturday.
There are some blinding supporting races, too, so we have got you covered with a race-by-race preview and top tips.
Race 1 – 1.50 Princess Margaret Keeneland Stakes (Group 3)
There's little doubt that Summer Romance is one of the most exciting youngsters in training right now.
But this is a much stiffer test than the one she faced when bolting up at Newmarket and at the prices she is taken on with SO SHARP.
Archie Watson's well-bred filly, who is related to James Garfield, was backed off the boards when winning on debut at Newbury.
She beat Dark Lady (reopposes here) into second, and she has since won easily at Lingfield. and So Sharp should improve plenty with that run under her belt.
Wide-margin winner Ultra Violet is another to consider closely.
SELECTION: So Sharp
WATCH OUT FOR: Summer Romance
Race 2 – 2.25 Porsche Handicap
MOTAKHAYYEL ran out a convincing winner of a hot handicap at Newmarket earlier this month.
He is on a sharp upward curve at present and he gets the nod ahead of Wings Of Time, another who tasted success in a good race at the July Festival.
Flashcard has ground to make up on the selection but he is better of at the weights now.
Beatboxer was midfield in the Britannia at Royal Ascot last month but it would be no surprise to see him bounce back now.
SELECTION: Motakhayyel
WATCH OUT FOR: Wings Of Time
Race 3 – 3.00 Moet & Chandon International Stakes
Plenty in with chances in a typically red-hot renewal of this handicap.
Last year's winner Burnt Sugar is on a good mark but he has struggled for form this year.
He beat Arbalet into second that day, and Hugo Palmer's four-year-old arrives here on a handy rating under top jockey James Doyle.
Ripp Orf heads the betting and he is another who is well-weighted, but the continuing poor run of the David Elsworth yard is a big concern.
Makzeem is 3lb well-in after his Newbury romp so he has to enter calculations, as does Spanish City in first-time blinkers.
But preference is for RAISING SAND, who is dynamite over this straight track at Ascot.
He won the Challenge Cup over C&D in October and he has been slightly unlucky in two runs here this term, flying home for fourth and third respectively in the Victoria Cup and Hunt Cup.
The return to 7f is a big plus, his mark remains unchanged despite a couple of cracking runs and the forecast rainfall will help as he likes to get his toe in.
SELECTION: Raising Sand
WATCH OUT FOR: Makzeem
Race 4 – 3.40 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group 1)
A superb renewal of this great race.
ENABLE has swept all before her over the past couple of seasons and she looked as good as ever when winning the Eclipse on her return to action.
She will be even happier back over her optimum 1m4f trip here and John Gosden's wonder mare will take the world of beating once again.
Crystal Ocean is a top-class performer in his own right and he looks the most obvious danger to the odds-on jolly following his decisive Prince Of Wales's success.
Derby hero Anthony Van Dyck receives weight from his main rivals and is fitted with first-time cheekpieces, but there is a suspicion that this year's Epsom Classic wasn't the strongest.
Defoe is having a wonderful season and if he runs a career-best he could be in with a squeak, while Magic Wand could hit the frame at a huge price if the ground remains quick.
SELECTION: Enable
EACH-WAY: Magic Wand
Race 5 – 4.15 Wooldridge Group Pat Eddery Stakes (Listed)
SUBJECTIVIST was second on his first two career starts, but he bumped into subsequent the first and second from the Superlative Stakes.
He is progressing nicely himself and is fancied to get the better of Maxi Boy, who was third in the aforementioned Superlative.
Al Dabaran made a positive impression when winning on debut over 7f at Newmarket last time. He is an exciting prospect who looks sure to play a part.
SELECTION: Subjectivist
WATCH OUT FOR: Maxi Boy
Race 6 – 4.50 Longines Handicap (For Lady Amateur Riders)
Top lady amateur Serena Brotherton takes the ride aboard SHADY MCCOY.
Ian Williams' nine-year-old caught the eye when fourth at Sandown last time and he remains on a good mark.
The hat-trick seeking Big Storm Coming is the big danger ahead of Leicester winner Lyndon B.
SELECTION: Shady McCoy
WATCH OUT FOR: Big Storm Coming
Race 7 – 5.20 Plymouth Fruit Cup Handicap
Progressive three-year-old KIEFER was second in a hot handicap at Salisbury last month.
He is 6lb higher here but he is on an upward curve and can regain the winning thread at the chief expense of Lariat, who has rattled the crossbar on several occasions recently.
Ravenous has each-way claims under good claimer Poppy Bridgwater.
SELECTION: Kiefer
WATCH OUT FOR: Lariat
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