ITV Racing Tips: Can Enable land a third King George at Ascot?
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Enable’s quest to land a record-breaking hat-trick in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is the centre-piece of a nine-race card on ITV this Saturday.
John Gosden’s wonder-mare will face just three rivals as she bids to make history at Ascot, but with Japan, Anthony Van Dyck and Sovereign in opposition for Aidan O’Brien, it’s no forgone conclusion.
We’ve previewed the big race of the day, plus the Group 2 York Stakes on the Knavesmire and the International Stakes in our ITV Racing Tips.
Race of the Day – King George – Ascot, 15:35
With Anthony Van Dyck and Sovereign likely to go off at double-figure prices, the 2020 King George looks set to be a straight-forward duel between old rivals Enable and Japan.
Two-time Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Enable has already beaten her younger rival twice before, including when the pair finished second and third in the Eclipse earlier this month.
Japan did appear to be getting on top in the closing stages that day, and with another couple of furlongs – which he gets here at Ascot –probably would have got the job done.
Enable will strip fitter for that run at Sandown however, and she’ll be spot on for this as she continues her preparation towards another crack at the Arc in October.
We’re expecting another ding-dong battle between the pair, but it could be the wonder-mare who shines through with that extra touch of class.
Next Best – York Stakes – York, 14:40
Elarqam got up to win the York Stakes 12 months ago and has all of the credentials to strike again and continue his excellent record on the Knavesmire.
Mark Johnston’s raider has form figures of 1313 around York and posted a fine effort on reappearance when second to Prince of Wales’s Stakes winner Lord North in the Brigadier Gerard.
A subsequent effort up in trip at Royal Ascot can be excused, and back down at a more favoured distance here, it looks as though he’ll take all the beating.
Telecaster and Fox Chairman are expected to lay down the biggest challenge, while the reliable Regal Reality can hold his own in lesser company after mixing it with the big boys in the Eclipse.
One to Watch – International Stakes – Ascot, 14:25
Shelir, Arbalet and Eshaasy all have excellent claims in this 20-runner Handicap, but we reckon Spanish City could be an interesting one to keep an eye on at a nice price.
Roger Varian’s seven-year-old has form figures of 66453 at Ascot and was only narrowly touched off in the Wokingham over course and distance at the Royal meeting.
He then finished a creditable seventh in the Bunbury Cup, and with apprentice jockey Ray Dawson taking off 5lb here, the Exceed And Excel gelding could go well from a low draw.
Mutamaasik is also expected to bounce back from a poor run last time run out, while Blue Mist was unlucky not to finish further in the Silver Wokingham and could challenge from a favourable high draw.
Saturday 25th July, ITV Racing Schedule
13:50 Ascot – Pat Eddery Stakes (Listed)
14:05 York – EBF Stallions Fillies’ Handicap
14:25 Ascot – International Stakes
14:40 York – York Stakes (Group 2)
15:00 Ascot – Nifty Fifty Handicap
15:15 York – Sky Bet Club Handicap
15:35 Ascot – King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1)
15:50 York – Extra Place Races Handicap
16:10 Ascot – Betfred.com Handicap
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
