Empires Strike Back

A noticeable aspect of today's King George at Ascot is the predominance (again) of the bloodstock oligarchy (Coolmore, Godolphin and Juddmonte) with the hardly penurious Rothschilds also represented. A sign of the times perhaps, but nevertheless still providing a fascinating renewal of the high summer traditional feature. The going may be the most pertinent factor and even at this stage it is still hard to predict. However, good horses should handle what will prevail this afternoon, unless it dramatically dries out.

Workforce is the highest rated and last season's Derby and Arc winner is entitled to go off favourite. Bizarrely he was available at 4/1 last weekend but the ensuing rain has come to his advantage. However his ignominious showing in this race last year casts a shadow. The prevailing wisdom suggests he was undone by the going but one wonders if the track was also a factor! How he will cope with the shortish straight and small field? A challenge undoubtedly for his very capable connections, Sir Michael (back in form) and Ryan Moore.

Rewilding was seven lengths behind Workforce at Epsom but has improved this season with a classy win at Meydan and a gutsy victory at the Royal meeting. He is certainly good enough but one feels that he had a very tough outing last time in denying So You Think and may not have recovered from those exertions.

Ballydoyle have selected St Nicholas Abbey from their crack squad of middle distance horses. Relatively low mileage and a return to a Group 1 podium in the Coronation at Epsom demonstrated his potential for this, but he still needs to improve a few pounds. The jockey booking (is Aidan O'Brien a tiger dad?) compounds one's usual suspicions over Coolmore's stallion strategies, but it is difficult to believe they are not entering the fray less than 100% prepared. The young O'Brien certainly will learn for the experience and is worth noting that in a possible tactical race, St Nicholas Abbey looks to have the sharpest turn of foot.

The progressive three year old Nathaniel completes the line up (pacemaker excepted). Albeit impressive at Royal Ascot, presumably the hefty supplementary fee was paid on the basis of soft going. At this stage, it looks as if there won't be enough rain to enable this promising colt to overcome his more experienced rivals (should run well though).

In summary, I find it difficult to desert Workforce and expect Ryan Moore to get him home with St Nicholas Abbey, the possible danger and value (3s or bigger?)

There is plenty of other racing to consider, particularly the International over 7f. The draw provides the usual quandary so picking one from either side, Bronze Prince and The Confessor.

best of luck and enjoy.....