Alamshar heads a field of 14 for Saturday's King George
Thursday, 24 July 2003 12:28All the leading fancies stood their ground for Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes leaving a field of 14 headed by Budweiser Derby winner, Alamshar.
Alamshar along with Vodafone Derby hero Kris Kin and Tote Dante Stakes winner Magistretti represent the Classic generation. The older horse have a strong team headed by last year's second Nayef. Coral Eclipse winner, Falbrav and runner-up in last year's Arc, Sulamani are also among the field for the Ascot showpiece.
There was one millimetre of rain overnight at Ascot and the going is now described as good to firm, good in places. Further rain at the track would assist the chances of Millenary, whose connections have warned that the six year-old may not run if the ground is too firm.
Michael Kinane will bid to win his fourth King George from just his eighth ride on Godolphin hope Grandera.He will now be teaming up with the horse that pipped his mount Hawk Wing a short head in last year's Ireland The Food Ireland Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
Grandera is one of three Godolphin runners. The others are Frankie Dettori's mount Sulamani and Leadership, who is to be ridden by Jamie Spencer.
Filed by James McMahon
