Falbrav was today given the go-ahead to run in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. Trainer Luca Cumani finally ended speculation about the five-year-old's participation in the £750,000 contest after the Coral-Eclipse Stakes winner worked this morning in the hands of Darryll Holland who rode him last time out.
Cumani explained the reason for delaying the decision to go to Ascot. "We wanted to go as close as possible before making a decision to check on the horse's well-being," said the Newmarket-based trainer. We are satisfied that he has recovered very well from the Eclipse and that he is in excellent form.
Holland said: "As far as I am concerned it is simple - if the horse stays he will win. He showed a great cruising speed at Sandown and really quickened up well. He is a class act and it is an honour to ride him. The ground should be on the fast side which is great - I just hope they stop watering now. We had a good draw at Sandown so now we are just hoping the Gods look down favourably on us again."
Falbrav is an 8-1 chance with the Tote to take Ascot's midsummer showpiece.
Filed by Brendan Cole
