Stoute’s Royal Ascot hero Crystal to sparkle in King George cracker OCEAN’S GREAT
CRYSTAL OCEAN (nap) can sink his rivals and give Sir Michael Stoute a record sixth victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes (3.40, ITV) at Ascot.
Since going under to Capri in the St Leger at Doncaster last September, the son of Sea The Stars has won each of his three outings – and is ready to return to the highest level. Making his comeback in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes over Sandown’s 10 furlongs in April, Crystal Ocean short-headed Fabricate before landing the Aston Park Stakes, also a Group 3, by six lengths at Newbury the following month.
Sent off at 4-7 for the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last time, the four-year-old had little trouble in disposing of Red Verdon by two and a half lengths.
Ryan Moore, on board for each of Crystal Ocean’s victories in 2018, has been claimed to partner Hydrangea for Aidan O’Brien.
That gives man of the moment William Buick – triumphant aboard Nathaniel seven years ago – a golden opportunity to claim a second King George.
Stoute’s legendary skill with the
seniors is further underscored by Poet’s Word, the market rival to Crystal Ocean after shocking Cracksman in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes over 10 furlongs at the royal meeting.
He’s a big threat if he can replicate that performance over an extra quarter mile.
Cracksman’s Ascot flop leaves him with a point to prove but he will only run if the ground softens, while Hydrangea and Rostropovich have progress to find.
Desert Encounter is outclassed, so Coronet, one place ahead of Salouen when edged out at Saint-Cloud last time, is the each-way suggestion.