It’s King George Day at Ascot. We’ve got selections in all eight races on the card.
Ascot Selections – Saturday, July 25
- 13:10 Never Enough
- 13:45 Alta Regina
- 14:20 Kon Tiki
- 14:55 Completely Random
- 15:35 Calandagan
- 16:10 Patrol (E/W)
- 16:45 Urban Lion (E/W)
- 17:20 Getreadytorumble (E/W)
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13:10 6f Dentakay EBF Crocker Bulteel ‘Confined’ Maiden Stakes
Never Enough sets the standard on the strength of an encouraging debut when finishing a half-length second in a Windsor novice. Despite conceding first run to a more experienced rival, he stayed on strongly and shaped with plenty of promise. That winner had previously run well behind Albany Stakes heroine Libertango, giving the form a solid look. With that experience under his belt and Ed Walker’s stable in good form and Will Buick booked to ride, the colt looks capable of taking the expected step forward and going one better.
Selection: Never Enough
13:45 6f Princess Margaret Japan Cup Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies) (Class 1) (2yo)
Alta Regina looks a major player after an eye-catching sixth in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. Finishing strongly over the minimum trip, she shaped as though stepping up to 6f would suit, and that Ascot form has been boosted since. With improvement expected over this longer distance, she rates a serious threat in the colours of Wathnan Racing.
Selection: Alta Regina
14:20 1m (Round) Longines Valiant Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+)
Kon Tiki has strong claims after a series of consistent performances in top-class company. She was beaten just three-quarters of a length by Blue Bolt at Goodwood before finishing a creditable fourth behind the same rival in the Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot, form that has since been franked at the highest level. The return to a fast-run mile on quick ground looks ideal, and with Ryan Moore taking the ride, Andrew Balding’s filly rates the chief danger.
Selection: Kon Tiki
14:55 7f Moet & Chandon International Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+)
Completely Random narrowly missed out in the Wokingham last time when beaten just a head, and a 4lb rise looks fair on that evidence. He shaped as though the step up to 7f could bring further improvement and remains relatively unexposed at the trip. A Listed winner on the AW, he is proven on a variety of surfaces and looks well treated if continuing his progression. With a top course jockey in Ryan Moore booked, he holds solid claims.
Selection: Completely Random (E/W)
15:35 1m4f King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1) (Class 1) (3yo+)
Calandagan can successfully defend his title after reaffirming his class with victory in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. He was a rare disappointment on soft ground in the Coronation Cup but quickly bounced back, overcoming a steady pace to land another Group 1 in France. A winner of six top-level contests, including this race 12 months ago, Francis-Henri Graffard’s star relishes quicker ground and remains the standout middle-distance performer. Despite a strong challenge from Aidan O’Brien’s team, headed by Irish Derby winner Benvenuto Cellini, he is the one to beat.
Selection: Calandagan
– Read Will Reilly’s in-depth King George preview here with an alternative selection.
16:10 1m4f Ascot Shop Handicap (GBBPlus Race) (Class 4) (3yo+ 0-80)
Patrol can end a lengthy losing run with conditions in his favour. He shaped well when finishing third at Newmarket last time off a 2lb higher mark and wasn’t beaten far by a pair of well-handicapped, unexposed rivals. His spring form has been boosted since, and with a consistent profile over 10-12f on a sound surface, he looks attractively treated.
Selection: Patrol (E/W)
16:45 1m (Straight) Handicap (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105)
Urban Lion made a flying start to the season when narrowly landing the Lincoln at Doncaster and remains capable of playing a role if bouncing back. He has disappointed in two subsequent starts, including when poorly positioned on the unfavourable far side in a recent handicap here. Still, he is proven over 1m and handles a range of surfaces. With a significant jockey booking (Tom Marquand) catching the eye, he cannot be ruled out for a place if returning to his best.
Selection: Urban Lion (E/W)
17:20 5f Whispering Angel Handicap (Class 2) (3yo+)
Tom Marquand may work his magic in the finale, as he takes the ride on the classy Getreadytorumble. The Jack Channon-trained gelding has proven himself capable at Listed and Group 3 level, so he could be a cut above back in handicap company.
He was outpaced but still ran to form in the Coral Charge at Sandown last time, and that form has since been boosted. He looks well treated from a mark just 9lb higher than when winning at Doncaster and should find this much easier than his previous visit to the track. With a top jockey back in the saddle, he holds strong claims.
Selection: Getreadytorumble (E/W)
Ascot Selections – Saturday, July 25
- 13:10 Never Enough
- 13:45 Alta Regina
- 14:20 Kon Tiki
- 14:55 Completely Random
- 15:35 Calandagan
- 16:10 Patrol (E/W)
- 16:45 Urban Lion (E/W)
- 17:20 Getreadytorumble (E/W)
