King George Runners Guide 2023 – Ascot Attracts 11 in Race of the Season So Far

Some 11 King George runners were declared for the Group 1 feature contest at Ascot on Saturday, 29 July from 15 left in at the five-day stage. These include big names over middle distances on the Flat like Auguste Rodin, Emily Upjohn, Hukum, King Of Steel and Pyledriver, but Desert Crown misses out with a leg infection.

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Bigger Than Recent Fields Expected from King George Runners

On only two occasions since 2014 has the final field of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, to give the 1m 4f event its full title, had an each way betting shape to it. Perhaps influenced by Enable landing her historic hat-trick in it back in 2020, the race attracted just three runners. The same stable saddles Emily Upjohn out to prove last year’s no-show was just a blip.

Also prominent in the betting this time around are the Epsom Derby 1-2 Auguste Rodin, one of four King George runners Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien can call upon, and King Of Steel. In what looks an incredibly deep renewal, two other course specialists from the brigade older horses, Hukum and last year’s winner Pyledriver have their supporters.

This season’s Derby form that will be tested again at Ascot races as the three-year-olds step into open company for the first time. There are plenty of heavyweights set to turn up on rain-softened ground in Berkshire. We’ve got the race of the season on our hands. Read all about the entire field of horses below…

RELATED: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Trends – Stats to find the winner of Ascot’s midsummer highlight.

Complete King George Runners Guide 2023

1. Bolshoi Ballet

On a long losing run stretching back two years to a transatlantic raid on the Belmont Derby. Form figures in UK of 37432 suggests he hasn’t lived up to earlier potential. Not disgraced when runner-up in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot latest, but this demands more. Could be used as a pacemaker for other Ballydoyle inmates.

2. Deauville Legend

Unlucky in-running fourth behind Pyledriver in the Hardwicke on reappearance and latest with no way up the inside. Had similar hard luck story when beaten by a head in the King George V Stakes at last year’s Royal meeting also over course and distance. Proved worth by winning Group 2 Great Voltigeur at York and far from disgraced when fourth in the Melbourne Cup before winter break. No surprise if one of the King George runners who outran his odds.

3. Hamish

Very well-placed gelding by connections that has mopped five career Group 3s including the John Smith’s Silver Cup at York races earlier this month. Loves soft ground and runner-up in last year’s Irish St Leger. Best form is over a slightly longer trip, so may lack tactical speed in a very deep field.

4. Hukum

Too good for Pyledriver in last year’s Coronation Cup at Epsom, but missed rest of season with serious injury. Pulled-up off shock reappearance win in the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown races when lowering Desert Crown’s colours latest. Missed intended run at the Royal meeting in the Hardwicke due to fast ground. One of the King George runners punters have backed ante post when rain hit Ascot the week before the race. Solid profile and claims.

5. Luxembourg

Three-time Group 1 winner was no match for Mostahdaf when runner-up in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes here latest. Stamina beyond extended mile-and-a-quarter largely untested as hampered more than once in the Arc last autumn. Owners and trainer have other options, and he’s not their first string on betting.

6. Point Lonsdale

Made hard work of landing a second career Group 2 at Chester races following reappearance win in Ireland in the Alleged Stakes. Well held by Emily Upjohn on subsequent Coronation Cup form from Epsom latest. Another of the King George runners from Ballydoyle that could have pacemaker duties.

7. Pyledriver

Incredible servant for connections who is three from three over the course and distance. Added Hardwicke heroics on reappearance latest to two Group 1 successes including this race last year. Plucky underdog who is often underestimated by online bookmakers and a solid each way bet here. Should come on for his return and never count him out.

8. Westover

Last year’s Irish Derby winner who added a second Group 1 to his CV in France latest. That was a weak contest, however, and he was a beaten favourite here 12 months ago. No obvious reason off the same terms why Emily Upjohn shouldn’t confirm Coronation Cup form with him and other King George runners re-opposing. This horse has never won consecutive races in his career.

9. Emily Upjohn

Filly who dispelled trailing in last of six here 12 months ago with two subsequent Group 1 victories. After good Coronation Cup success on reappearance, ran an excellent trial for this when half-length runner-up to Paddington in the Coral Eclipse latest. One for the shortlist.

10. Auguste Rodin

Dual Derby hero who didn’t win as his odds suggested he would at the Curragh latest. That being said, one of the pacemakers broke down injured and it left him in front an awfully long way from home. Connections have other King George runners engaged to ensure he gets the gallop and pace required. Leading contender despite dubious recent record of three-year-olds.

11. King Of Steel

Runner-up in The Derby on reappearance and just his third career. Gained compensation for that defeat by Auguste Rodin when going one better in the King Edward over this course and distance at the Royal meeting latest. Receives weight from most of the field and has to enter calculations on that basis. What he beat here last time suggests this demands plenty more.

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What Date & Time Is The 2023 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes?

📅Time/Date: 3:40pm (Saturday, 29th July 2023)
🏇Racecourse: Ascot
💰 Winner: £708, 875
📺 TV: SkySports Racing/ ITV
🎲 Odds: Auguste Rodin 100/30 | King Of Steel 4/1 | Hukum 4/1 | Emily Upjohn 5/1 | Pyledriver 7/1 | Bar 16/1

Recent King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes Winners

• 2022 – Pyledriver (18/1)
• 2021 – Adayar (9/4)
• 2020 – Enable (4/9 fav)
• 2019 – Enable (8/15 fav)
• 2018 – Poet’s Word (7/4)
• 2017 – Enable (5/4 fav)
• 2016 – Highland Reel (13/8 fav)
• 2015 – Postponed (6/1)
• 2014 – Taghrooda (7/2)
• 2013 – Novellist (13/2)

WATCH: Pyledriver Win the 2023 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

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