Watching the field fall by the wayside in the run up to this race has meant me leaving this preview later and later, and now only just getting it up half an hour before post time. So, without further ado:
Dylan Thomas: On form, definitely a worthy favorite as he is the only top-class Group 1 performer in the field. There have been doubts about him in the week, though, and there is still the possibilty that he won't be up to his top level on a softer surface. Returning to his preferrered 12 furlongs, though, and is still the most obvious choice.
Scorpion: Ballydoyle's second string should never be underestimated, especially when it's a multiple Group 1 winner such as Scorpion. He seems a bit of a monkey these days, and it could be that he just isn't up for it today. If he gets out on the lead and turns it into a stamina test he may well have too much for them, however.
Maraahel: The most consistent of these, and had a trainer who really knows how to win this race. Looking back over his record you'd think he'd be facing another placed effort, and his wins this season don't read quite as well as some seconds and thirds from the two years previous.
Youmzain: Another one who will relish the full 12 furlongs of the race, but may need to be ridden more positively than he was last time out. Would need to improve a few pounds on his best to win, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him go close.
Laverock: Probably still too big a price as he has at least as obvious claims as Youmzain. Runs behind Pride and Papal Bull over the last year or so would give him a squeak if Dylan Thomas is below his best.
Prince Flori: Another one whose best form matches up with all bar Dylan Thomas. Not quite his best effort last time out, but he will appreciate the soft surface and put up his best performance of last year when it mattered most in winning the Grosser Preis von Baden. Definitely one for any forecast perms, and is the value bet of the race.
Sergeant Cecil: Shouldn't be entering considerations for a King George at any stage, but the relative paucity of talent on display this year means he is not without his chances. Ignoring his disappointment at Ascot, the run the time before was arguably his best piece of form, and he could well be coming with a strong late run to finish in the places.
The worst King George in over a decade, not a three year old in sight and still it manages to tingle the tastebuds. Ballydoyle seems to hold all the aces, but if Dylan Thomas gets stuck in the going then anything could win. You'll hear the biggest roar of all if the Sergeant were to come crashing down the outside, but here's my call for the first three:
!st: Prince Flori
2nd: Dylan Thomas
3rd: Maraahel
Addendum: Rather sheepishly I have to admit to not having had the time to check how much the ground had dried out on the morning, and can express no surprise at the authority of Dylan Thomas' win.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Having finally had a chance to check today's Racing Post, I can honestly say that I hadn't read James Willoughby's or Tom Segal's column before putting together my King George thoughts - not that it would have done anyone any good to listen to the advice anyway!
Post a Comment