July 27 / 15.40 Ascot

15.40

Good

King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

  • Prize money: £708875
  • 1m 3f 211y
  • Class 1
  • 9 runners
ITV
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King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

25/1 (Won)

  • Win: £26.05
  • Place: £5.05

Form: 4-2142 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Acts on any ground; steadily progressive French gelding who is a Group 3 winner on home soil; ran well in the Hardwicke (Group 2) over C&D most recently, though proved no match for the winner; faces a considerably stiffer assignment upped further in grade.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

3

(6)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Goliath

9st 9lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: F-H Graffard

Acts on any ground; steadily progressive French gelding who is a Group 3 winner on home soil; ran well in the Hardwicke (Group 2) over C&D most recently, though proved no match for the winner; faces a considerably stiffer assignment upped further in grade.

25/1

2nd

6

(1)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Goliath

9st 3lb

J: Maxime Guyon

T: F-H Graffard

Lightly raced and progressive 4yo who made all to win by 3l in Group 3 at Longchamp (1m4f, very soft) last month; another good run when fourth in Group 2 at Chantilly (1m4f, heavy) last time but further improvement is needed.

20/1

5/1

  • Place: £1.75

Form: 422-11

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Consistent in defeat last term; has regained the winning thread and looked better than ever this season, routing her opponents in Group 2 at York (good) then following up in Group 1 at the Curragh (yielding to soft), both over 1m2f; should be as effective back at 1m4f; cheekpieces (worn twice, including for reappearance win) are now reapplied; smart filly who could well prove capable of further improvement in her current form; big player.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

9

(4)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Bluestocking

9st 5lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Acts on soft and good to firm; smart filly who has blossomed this season, winning notable 1m2f races at this course (Group 2; easily) and the Curragh (Group 1) then creditable second in the King George at Ascot back over 1m4f; she is 2-3 at this distance and can't be ruled out.

9/1

2nd

8

(9)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Bluestocking

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

Consistent in defeat last term; has regained the winning thread and looked better than ever this season, routing her opponents in Group 2 at York (good) then following up in Group 1 at the Curragh (yielding to soft), both over 1m2f; should be as effective back at 1m4f; cheekpieces (worn twice, including for reappearance win) are now reapplied; smart filly who could well prove capable of further improvement in her current form; big player.

5/1

1st

1

(3)

29th Jun 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:30 Curragh

Bluestocking

9st 12lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

in touch with leaders, niggled along over 3f out, switched left and headway on near side of group from over 2f out, ridden and went second but 3 lengths down over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, led towards finish

13/8

7/2

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 41-111 D

Last run: 62 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Highly productive globetrotter who landed Group 1 prizes over 1m4f at Meydan and Sha Tin the last twice, taking record at the top level to 5-7 and overall strike-rate to 13-19; his impressive stats are augmented by an unbeaten record (5-5) in British races, none above Group 3 but he brings a high rating to this assignment; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(1)

26th Jul 2025

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

16:10 Ascot

Rebels Romance

9st 9lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Glorious globetrotter whose Group/Grade 1 record is 7-11 and overall strike-rate is 18-26; has done his winning at a lower level this year, mostly recently in the Hardwicke (Group 2) at Royal Ascot; thoroughly admirable and had an excuse (raced closer to the strong pace than ideal) when about 5l third in this race 12 months ago but he's a 7yo now and no horse older than six has won the King George.

9/2

1st

9

(11)

21st Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Rebels Romance

9st 3lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Globetrotter who won 1m4f Group/Grade 1 races in Dubai, Hong Kong, Germany and the US last year; not at his very best when beating Epic Poet by a head in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup at York (good to firm) last month but that was 1m6f and he was conceding 5lb to the winner (level weights today); leading contender if at the top of his game now back down to 1m4f.

5/2

1st

1

(2)

16th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 5f 188y

Class 1

15:45 York

Rebels Romance

9st 8lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

High-class 1m4f performer with a fine strike-rate and he's been all around the world; big question is the trip as this 7yo is unraced beyond 1m4f and takes on proven stayers, but he stays that shorter trip well.

11/10

12/1

Form: 1-5272

Last run: 27 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 115

Form & Verdict
Sole 3yo in the field; Group 1 winner in France at two; strong-finishing second in the Irish Derby (good) upped to 1m4f most recently, taking his form to a new level; may well have more to offer at this trip and he's bred for this scenario, being a brother to Ascot Group 1 (Champion Stakes) scorer Sealiway; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(5)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:30 Newmarket

Sunway

9st 5lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: David Menuisier

Peak efforts were as a 3yo but reappearance at Meydan this January saw his first win since 2023; nearly won another 1m6f Group 3 there next time, before a headstrong display (set up big lead) saw him tail off in 2m Dubai Gold Cup five weeks ago; the latter was in blinkers (first time since September) which are unsurprisingly left off today; thereabouts if bouncing back.

8/1

4

(8)

12th Sep 2025

Good To Soft

2m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:00 Doncaster

Sunway

9st 7lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David Menuisier

No win since Group 1 as 2yo; good third, however, in the 14.5f St Leger here one year ago and only half a length behind Sweet William when trying 2m in the Goodwood Cup on penultimate outing; hampered at 1m4f latest; into new territory over this trip but Goodwood Cup suggests he is a serious player.

5/1

4th

5

(4)

29th Jul 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Sunway

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: David Menuisier

Probably okay on any going; runner-up in last season's Irish Derby and third in the St Leger; those are the clear highlights in form terms but his always-prominent fourth of 12 in Group 2 Hardwicke at Royal Ascot last month in first-time blinkers was much more like it again; this is a new trip but he's stuck to his task well on those best efforts over 1m4f/14.5f.

12/1

OUR TIP

Form: 11-021 C

Last run: 38 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Has flopped badly on three occasions in his career, including in this race 12 months ago; otherwise a high-class performer who has won several top middle-distance prizes, all on good/firmer, including the 2023 Derby and most recently the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot; leading player provided he avoids one of his bad days.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(4)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:25 Leopardstown

Auguste Rodin

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

towards rear, headway under 3f out, challenging 1f out, briefly disputed lead inside final furlong, kept on well towards finish

9/4

5th

1

(2)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Auguste Rodin

9st 9lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Has flopped badly on three occasions in his career, including in this race 12 months ago; otherwise a high-class performer who has won several top middle-distance prizes, all on good/firmer, including the 2023 Derby and most recently the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot; leading player provided he avoids one of his bad days.

5/4

1st

2

(3)

19th Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 1

16:25 Ascot

Auguste Rodin

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

The Derby, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes and Breeders' Cup Turf all fell to him last season but he ran absolute shockers in the 2,000 Guineas and King George (here) and flopped again in the Dubai Sheema Classic this March; Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh (good to yielding) late last month was much more like it again, albeit leading only briefly in the closing stages before White Birch asserted by 3l; peak efforts have been on good or firmer (also Group 1 winner on heavy as 2yo) but he's uncomfortably enigmatic.

7/4

Form: 22-401 D

Last run: 57 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Horse

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Group 1 winner in each of his four seasons of racing, most recently in the Coronation Cup at Epsom (good to soft) where he received an astute front-running ride to record a first success over 1m4f; tactically versatile but couldn't quite sustain his effort in this contest last year (finished 8l fourth); yard's number one is Auguste Rodin.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

(7)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:25 Leopardstown

Luxembourg

9st 9lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: A P O’Brien

soon led, faced challenges 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened final 110yds

12/1

6th

5

(1)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Luxembourg

9st 9lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Group 1 winner in each of his four seasons of racing, most recently in the Coronation Cup at Epsom (good to soft) where he received an astute front-running ride to record a first success over 1m4f; tactically versatile but couldn't quite sustain his effort in this contest last year (finished 8l fourth); yard's number one is Auguste Rodin.

9/1

1st

3

(3)

31st May 2024

Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

15:10 Epsom

Luxembourg

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Acts on soft going; has failed to shine in the Middle East this year; otherwise capable of high-class form at about 1m2f, namely two wins and three seconds in Group 1 events; probably hit the front too soon on last attempt over 1m4f and may yet show he's fully effective at this trip; has the ability to take a serious hand.

7/2

Form: 6-1731 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Globetrotting middle-distance performer who is a Group 1 winner in Australia and France, most recently in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (good to soft) last month; likely set for a supporting role in this field, being 0-5 (form figures 24646) at the top level on British soil.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

(6)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Dubai Honour

9st 11lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

Started his campaign with a 1m2f Listed success on Kempton's Polytrack and struck for the third time at Group 1 level in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (1m4f) in June; another good effort in top company on the continent when second at Baden-Baden (1m4f) in September; Group 1 penalty to shoulder but a potential cut above.

2/1

2nd

1

(6)

16th Nov 2024

Standard

1m 2f 42y

Class 1

15:15 Newcastle (AW)

Dubai Honour

9st 11lb

J: Adam Farragher

T: William Haggas

in touch with leaders

2/1

7th

2

(8)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Dubai Honour

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Globetrotting middle-distance performer who is a Group 1 winner in Australia and France, most recently in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (good to soft) last month; likely set for a supporting role in this field, being 0-5 (form figures 24646) at the top level on British soil.

20/1

Form: 171-13 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Well held in soft-ground St Leger; otherwise a largely progressive sort at up to 1m6f; has dropped back to 1m4f this season, getting up on the line at Newbury (Group 3) then respectable third at Royal Ascot (Group 2) where a stronger pace would have suited; remains of interest, with this race likely to pan out favourably.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(4)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Middle Earth

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Thady Gosden

Well held in soft-ground St Leger; otherwise a largely progressive sort at up to 1m6f; has dropped back to 1m4f this season, getting up on the line at Newbury (Group 3) then respectable third at Royal Ascot (Group 2) where a stronger pace would have suited; remains of interest, with this race likely to pan out favourably.

9/1

3rd

8

(8)

22nd Jun 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:05 Ascot

Middle Earth

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won the Melrose Handicap at York (1m6f, good to firm) last August and bounced back from soft-ground St Leger flop for Listed win here (1m6f, good) last October; returned with win in Group 3 Aston Park Stakes at Newbury (1m4f, good) last month, when clear with one who readily went one better in Listed race next time; this 4yo is firmly on the up for his top yard; player.

5/2

1st

7

(5)

18th May 2024

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newbury

Middle Earth

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Thady Gosden

Won the highly competitive Melrose Handicap at last year's Ebor meeting (1m6f, good to firm); well behind Desert Hero in the St Leger next time (only time he's tackled soft ground) but resumed his progression with success in a 1m6f Ascot Listed race (good) on his final 3yo start; everything about his profile points to him doing even better at four.

4/1

100/1

Form: -15695 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 9lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Yet to win above Group 3 level; seemingly used as a pacemaker for higher-profile stablemates in Group 1 races of late and again looks poised to adopt that role; bottom of this pack on ratings and likely to be swallowed up in the latter stages.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

2

(6)

14th Sep 2024

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:25 Leopardstown

Hans Andersen

9st 9lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: A P O’Brien

in rear throughout

200/1

13th

4

(3)

21st Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:35 York

Hans Andersen

9st 8lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Yet to win above Group 3 level; seemingly used as a pacemaker for higher-profile stablemates in Group 1 races of late and again looks poised to adopt that role; bottom of this pack on ratings and again likely to be swallowed up in the latter stages; wears first-time headgear.

200/1

9th

4

(5)

27th Jul 2024

Good

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Hans Andersen

9st 9lb

J: Sean Levey

T: A P O’Brien

Yet to win above Group 3 level; seemingly used as a pacemaker for higher-profile stablemates in Group 1 races of late and again looks poised to adopt that role; bottom of this pack on ratings and likely to be swallowed up in the latter stages.

100/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £181.10
Straight Forecast £130.30
Tricast £389.10
Trifecta £446.10

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Rebel's Romance

RP RATINGS:

Auguste Rodin

SPOTLIGHT:

Bluestocking

TOPSPEED:

Sunway

The Times:

Middle Earth

Daily Mail:

Bluestocking

Daily Record:

Bluestocking

POSTDATA:

Auguste Rodin

Telegraph:

Auguste Rodin

D Express:

Auguste Rodin

The Guardian:

Rebel's Romance

Daily Mirror:

Rebel's Romance

The Sun:

Rebel's Romance

The Star:

Rebel's Romance