Dartmouth 9/2 for Royal success in King George

The Godolphin owned three-year-old landed the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown earlier this month to extend his unbeaten run to six, and connections raised the possibility of supplementing for the King George following that victory.

However, whilst trainer Charlie Appleby is pleased with the way Hawkbill has come out of the race, he feels it may be best to stick to 1m 2f at the time being rather than step up in trip.

Speaking on Godolphin’s website he said: “After consultation with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and John Ferguson, we have decided he will miss the King George and be saved for races over a mile and a quarter. The Juddmonte is the likely next target.”

Postponed hardens at head of market

Hawkbill had been seen as one of the main rivals to Postponed and his absence has resulted in last year’s winner hardening into 1/2 (from 8/15) with Coral.

The colt showed tremendous battling qualities to beat Eagle Top in the race 12 months ago when trained by Luca Cumani and has since won all four of his starts since joining Roger Varian.

In the last of those the five-year-old put in a stunning success in the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Epsom when forging clear to beat Found by 4 1/2 lengths.

It was an awesome display and one which sets a clear standard and very much makes Postponed the one to beat.

Highland Reel the big hope for O’Brien

Leading Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien has won the race on three occasions and Highland Reel looks his main hope in the Qipco-backed contest and is a 7/1 shot with Coral.

The four-year-old ran a blinder when just touched off by Dartmouth in the Hardwicke on soft ground and the Ballydoyle handler heels quicker going will be in his favour.

Highland Reel already has two Group 1 successes to his name and finished 4 1/4 lengths behind Postponed when fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan back in March.

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