Postponed is the early betting favorite at 888Sport for the King George. (Photo credit: © Martin Applegate | Dreamstime.com)
The defending champion Postponed is the early betting favorite for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) at Ascot on Saturday, July 23.
The five-year-old was last seen winning the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom Downs on June 4 in impressive fashion by 4 ½ lengths, his third victory in 2016 in as many starts.
Looking at 888sport horse racing odds Postponed is the current betting favorite at odds of 8/13.
Postponed is seeking to become just the third two-time winner of the 1 ½ mile turf event, joining Swain (1997-1998) and Dahlia (1973-1974).
Trainer Luca Cumani saddled Postponed last year, but the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum-owned runner has been with trainer Roger Varian this year.
The Aiden O’Brien trained Highland Reel is the second choice in the wagering in odds posted at 888sport at 7/1. O’Brien has won the race three times including back to back years in 2007 and 2008 with Dylan Thomas and Duke of Marmalade.
Highland Reel was the runner up in the Hardwicke Stakes (G2) at Ascot in his last outing behind the Sir Michael Stoute trained Dartmouth. In his previous outing he was fourth behind the winner Postponed in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) on March 26.
O’Brien will also saddle contenders Order of St George who is the co-third choice with stablemate Us Army Ranger at 8/1 as per 888sport’s suggestions.
Over soft ground last out he won the Gold Cup In Honour of The Queen’s 90th Birthday (G1) at Ascot with Ryan Moore in the irons., his fifth win in a row.
Us Army Ranger has just three starts under his belt, last out a runner up finish in the Investec Derby (G1) at Epsom Downs behind Harzand.
He won the MBNA Chester Vase (G2) at Chester in his previous outing after winning the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden in his debut back in March.
The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of the most prestigious turf events held in Great Britain each year and the second richest behind just the Epsom Derby (G1) and has been won by such greats as Swain (1997 and 1998), Daylami (1999), Montjeu (2000) and Galileo (2001).
Lestor Piggot has booted home the winner of the King George a record seven times while trainers Dick Hern, Sir Michael Stoute and Saeed bin Suroor are tied as top trainers with five winners each.
The King George is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” race. The winner earns an automatic starting spot and paid expenses to the year-end championship race which will be held at Santa Anita on Nov. 5.
