An exclusive field of seven remain engaged for Saturday’s King George VI &
Queen Elizabeth S. (Eng-G1) following the addition of impressive Royal Ascot
winner NATHANIEL (Galileo [Ire]) at Monday’s supplementary stage for Ascot’s
midsummer showpiece. The Berkshire track’s terrain is currently described as
good with soft places, but further rain is forecast before the weekend.
Recent rain — and a pleasing workout at Newmarket Sunday morning — has
encouraged connections of last year’s Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) and Prix de l’Arc de
Triomphe (Fr-G1) hero WORKFORCE (GB) (King’s Best). Trainer Sir Michael Stoute,
who has taken the last two renewals with Conduit (Ire) and Harbinger, told
Racing Post, “We’re hoping for some good rain for Workforce to be able to
take his chance.”
Fellow Juddmonte colorbearer MIDDAY (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) also stands her
ground, but will participate only in Workforce’s absence, as racing manager
Teddy Grimthorpe explained, “If Workforce goes for the King George, then Midday
will go to Goodwood for the (July 30) Nassau S. (Eng-G1), and if Workforce
doesn’t go to Ascot, then Midday will probably head there instead.”
Aidan O’Brien’s red-hot Ballydoyle yard supplies the Coronation Cup (Eng-G1)
winner and current 6-4 favorite ST NICHOLAS ABBEY (Montjeu [Ire], while
stablemate SEVILLE (Galileo [Ire]) may get an early chance to advertise the form
of the July 14 Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-G1) where he ran second.
Godolphin’s Arlington Million (G1) victor DEBUSSY (GB) (Diesis [GB]) may
undertake pacesetting duties for the team’s standard-bearer REWILDING (Tiger
Hill), who was victorious in a thrilling renewal of the Prince of Wales’s S.
(Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot.
Lady Rothschild and John Gosden will be looking for a return on the
£75,000 fee paid to add Nathaniel, the half
to Playful Act (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), into the race, prompted by a five-length
win in the King Edward VII (Eng-G2) over track and trip on similar ground at
last month’s Royal meet.