King George 2018: Final declarations, betting and tips
Find out about the eight runners set to tackle the £1,250,000 King George at Ascot on Saturday
THE King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of the biggest races of the Flat season.
The historic Group 1 is run over a mile and four furlongs and is worth £1,250,000 - we have a run-down of the eight runners below.
Coronet (latest odds) 12-1
John Gosden's filly won the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes over the King George course and distance last season.
She returned with an impressive win in the Middleton Stakes at York in May, the form of which has been franked.
Unlucky not to win a Group 1 in France last time, and she could have snuck under the radar at 12-1.
LATEST IN HORSE RACING
Cracksman 3-1
Top-class colt won the Champion Stakes at this track last year before landing a Group 1 in France and the Coronation Cup at Epsom.
Raced lazily when a beaten 2-5 favourite in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes, finishing second to Poet's Word.
He will only race if forecast showers arrive on Friday but it's too soon to write him off.
RAIN DANCE Gosden on weather watch for stars Cracksman and Coronet ahead of King George
Crystal Ocean 9-4
Progressive colt won a Group 3 and finished second in the St Leger last season.
Has continued to improve this year and won the Hardwicke Stakes over course and distance comfortably at Royal Ascot.
Track, ground and trip in his favour and looks sure to run a huge race.
Desert Encounter 50-1
Group 3 winner often has his sights set high, with a third in last year's Coral-Eclipse his best effort.
Given too much to do when second in a Listed race at Newbury last weekend.
Will come up short in Group 1 company again, though.
Hydrangea 12-1
Talented filly who won a Group 1 over this course and distance on Champions Day in October.
Second over a mile on her comeback in Ireland and again found that trip too sharp at Royal Ascot.
Step back up to 1m4f in her favour and no surprise to see her go close for Aidan O'Brien.
Previous King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winners
- 2017 - Enable
- 2016 - Highland Reel
- 2015 - Postponed
- 2014- Taghrooda
- 2013 - Novellist
- 2012 -Danedream
- 2011 - Nathaniel
- 2010 - Harbinger
- 2009 - Conduit
- 2008 - Duke Of Marmalade
- 2007 - Dylan Thomas
Poet's Word 9-4
High-class performer has been in career-best form so far this season.
Second in a Group 1 in Dubai before winning at Sandown and beating Cracksman at Royal Ascot.
Step back up to 1m4f no issue and he is a leading contender on form.
Rostropovich 25-1
The only three-year-old in the field has a hit or miss profile.
Ran one of his better races when a game second from the front in the Irish Derby last time.
This is a deeper race but he receives weight from his rivals and could grab a place.
Salouen 33-1
Consistent four-year-old has placed in Group 1 company the last twice.
Only beaten a head by Cracksman at Epsom and ran a stormer behind Coronet last time.
Should give his running but he will likely come up short once more.
VERDICT
The Stoute-pair Crystal Ocean and Poet's Word are deservedly at the head of the betting following impressive wins at Royal Ascot.
Cracksman would pose a huge threat to all the runners if rain arrives on Friday, though he has raced lazily the last twice.
It could pay to take a chance on CORONET.
She is a course and distance winner who was unlucky not to win a Group 1 last time, while the form of her York win earlier this season could hardly have worked out any better.
Who do our top tipsters fancy for the race?
Templegate - Crystal Ocean: 'Comfortable winner of the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot and keeps on improving'
Matt Chapman - Crystal Ocean: 'A typical improver for the Sir Michael Stoute can land his first Group 1'
Wizard Of Odds - Poet's Word: 'Impressive in the Prince Of Wales's at Royal Ascot and return to 1m4f no issue'
King George tips
Click here to view the racecard for the King George.