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