Jamie Radford previews the most prestigious flat race in British horse racing, the King George VI Stakes.
King George VI Stakes
The King George VI stakes is Britain's most prestigious flat race for all ages. Indeed, in 2011 the race became part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series where the winner would receive an instant invitation to compete in the Breeders' Cup Turf a few months later.
Before that, winners often go on to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. With over £700,000 going to the winner, it is Britain’s second richest flat race after the Derby.
King George VI Stakes Runners
Auguste Rodin
After Auguste Rodin's last place finish at the Sheema Classic in May as well as his defeat in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, some critics may have thought it was a mistake to stay in training at four.
However, he bounced back at Royal Ascot to win the Prince of Wales's Stake. There was a strong pace set by stablemate Hans Andersen to ensure a stamina sapping finishing speed of 98.2% up the Ascot hill.
That only played into the hands of the son of Deep Impact who was a Debry winner over 1m4f and a Breeders' Cup Turf winner over 1m 4f as well. He now bids to be a King George winner after finishing a 126 length 10th of 10 in the race last year.
His Royal Ascot win proved his liking for the course and if the forecast remains quick he should have a massive chance.
Rebel's Romance
After winning a listed and Group 3 race in England as a four year old, Rebel's Romance has been campaigned abroad.
That's not to say that his form doesn't tie in with English horses. In 2022 he won the Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland beating the likes of Stone Age, Mishriff, Nations pride and Broome comfortably under James Doyle.
Last season was rather stop and stop but Charlie Appleby brought him back over to Kempton for a listed race which he won easily. Now seemingly back on track he is 3 for 3 this season including Group 1's in the last 2.
The first of those being the Sheema Classic where he has Emily Upjohn, Point Lonsdale and, indeed, the disappointing Auguste Rodin all in behind. Unraced on turf in England since July 2022, there is a lingering doubt for this globetrotter, but on the face of it he has every chance.
Bluestocking
Next up is Ralph Beckett's filly Bluestocking who has risen 6lb in the rating's this year to fulfil the promise of Group 1's that she hinted at last year.
Indeed, she was placed in the Ribblesdale, the Irish Derby, and in the Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes last year without winning but she returned with vigour this season winning the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at York by 6 lengths before following it up in the Group 1 Pretty Polly at the Curragh last month.
She beat Emily Upjohn there by 1/2 length which might not be as far as Rebel's Romance has beaten her in the Sheema Classic, but does show that she's worthy of a place in this lineup.
She's got 6lb to find with August Rodin and is in receipt of 3lb so she undoubtedly needs to improve again but that's exactly what she has been doing from run to run this season and there's no reason why she can't do it again.
Luxembourg
His 4th in the race last year perhaps hinted that he doesn't quite see out the 1m 4f trip. Indeed, his 7th in the Arc gave similar worries.
However, this year seemed different as he made all in the Coronation Cup beating the admirably consistent Hamish by a length.
The finishing speed of the race was 112.9% which means the race turned into a serious sprint, however both the Arc (very soft) and last year's King George (Good to soft) had cut in the ground and I think that Luxembourg not only prefers fast ground but needs it in this case to get away with the trip.
He is weighted to reverse form with August Rodin from last September and at 10/1 he has got to be involved.
When is the King George VI Stakes?
The King George VI stakes takes place on Saturday 27th July at Ascot Racecourse at 3.40pm. The race is scheduled to be broadcast live on ITV.
King George VI Stakes Odds
| Horse | Best Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Auguste Rodin | 5/4 | 44.44% |
| Rebels Romance | 9/2 | 18.18% |
| Bluestocking | 8/1 | 11.11% |
| City Of Troy | 10/1 | 9.09% |
| Los Angeles | 12/1 | 7.69% |
| Luxembourg | 12/1 | 7.69% |
| Continuous | 14/1 | 6.67% |
| Dubai Honour | 14/1 | 6.67% |
King George VI Stakes Tips
Declarations may prove critical for this with City of Troy, Luxembourg, Los Angeles and Continuous all handed entries from Ballydoyle. It's hard to guess which of those will go although Luxembourg does seem likely.
Rebel's Romance hasn't race on turf in England for so long so maybe August Rodin can get this race on his cv before being sent to stud at the end of the season.
An interesting form line is his victory in the Irish Champion Stakes last September where he beat Luxembourg by 1/2 length.
However, he was in receipt of 6lb's that day from Luxembourg and, now on level weights, Luxembourg could be the selection at a double figure price.
