Auguste Rodin will spearhead Aidan O’Brien’s squad within the July 27 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse because the grasp coach bids for a fifth victory within the 1 1/2-mile midsummer showpiece.
O’Brien, who has beforehand gained the race with Galileo (2001), Dylan Thomas (2007), Duke of Marmalade (2008), and Highland Reel (2016), will hope to see Auguste Rodin proceed his kind after he bounced again to land the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot final month.
The Ballydoyle group may also embrace Coronation Cup (G1) hero Luxembourg , the experience of Wayne Lordan, and Hans Andersen , with Sean Levey.
Among the many Ballydoyle trio’s opposition can be Godolphin’s Insurgent’s Romance , whom William Buick hopes can proceed his globetrotting success. Skilled by Charlie Appleby, Insurgent’s Romance has struck on the high stage at Sha Tin, Meydan, Keeneland and Cologne, however this weekend’s £1.25 million contest would be the first time Insurgent’s Romance can be featured in a gaggle 1 in Britain.
The 6-year-old Dubawi gelding most just lately scored within the Champions & Chater Cup (G1) in Hong Kong, and Buick believes he’s in high kind coming into the race.
“He is a world famous person, however he simply hasn’t had the chance he deserves till now to run in a gaggle 1 over right here,” Buick stated. “He is clearly been on the go a very long time, however his races have been spaced out properly and he is taken them nicely.
“Bar the Derby, the King George is our largest middle-distance race. It is a vastly necessary race, steeped in a lot historical past, and it is our midsummer spotlight.”
It’ll solely be the fifth time that Insurgent’s Romance has competed in Britain, along with his final look coming when he landed the listed Wild Flower Stakes at Kempton in December.
“He is excessive class and it is pretty that he is now getting a correct shot at a high stage win at dwelling,” Buick stated. “He is an enormous, imposing horse who you may’t assist however spot, and he is very uncomplicated, very real, and clearly excellent.”
Group 1 winner Bluestocking provides additional high quality after producing a career-best effort within the Fairly Polly Stakes (G1) on the Curragh final month for Ralph Beckett and Juddmonte.
Qatar Bloodstock and Ciaron Maher’s Center Earth , who will bid to enhance on his third within the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot, will run for John and Thady Gosden. The son of Roaring Lion has gained 4 of his eight begins, together with the Aston Park Stakes (G3) at Newbury in Might.
Irish Derby (G1) second Sunway will go looking for his first win of the season for David Menuisier, whereas William Haggas saddles Dubai Honour , who was final seen profitable the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1)
The only worldwide challenger comes from France with coach Francis Graffard represented by Goliath , who completed forward of Center Earth however behind Isle of Jura within the Hardwicke.
The King George is a Breeders’ Cup Problem Collection occasion, offering an automated, fees-paid berth in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) at Del Mar. Auguste Rodin captured the Breeders’ Cup Turf final 12 months, and Insurgent’s Romance gained the 2022 version.
