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Gleneagles declared for QEII as connections monitor ground conditions

Gleneagles is a top-price 9-4 for the QEII
Gleneagles is a top-price 9-4 for the QEII

Gleneagles has been declared for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, although connections will make a late call as to his participation.

The dual 2000 Guineas winner has missed several high-profile engagements due to unsuitable ground since his victory in the St James's Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien will walk the track at Ascot on Friday evening before making a final decision.

Should O'Brien feel the ground is too soft at Ascot, he will seek permission from Southwell racecourse to work Gleneagles there, before a possible tilt at the Breeders' Cup Classic.

The nine runners for the one-mile showpiece at Ascot, sponsored by Qipco, are headed by Freddie Head's Solow.

The star five-year-old has been in the form of his life, winning his last eight races, including the Queen Anne Stakes and Sussex Stakes.

Andre Fabre will be represented by Territories, who was runner-up to Gleneagles in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Clive Cox has will be hoping for more improvement from his progressive three-year-old colt Kodi Bear following his victory in Goodwood's Celebration Mile in August.

Completing a high-quality field are Gabrial, Top Notch Tonto, Belardo, Elm Park and Integral.

The three withdrawals at the 48-hour final declaration stage were Cable Bay, Mondialiste and Esoterique.

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