Ascot ground is crucial for field in King George

Ground conditions will play a key role in the final make-up of the field for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, with connections of Ulysses and Highland Reel among those watching the skies.

Sir Michael Stoute-trained Ulysses is bidding to become the first horse in almost a quarter of century to win the Coral-Eclipse and the King George in the same season.

Stoute’s charge came out on top in a Sandown thriller at the start of the month, seeing off topclass three-year-old Barney Roy, the winner of the St James’s Palace Stakes, by a nose.

As long as the Berkshire turf does not deteriorate between now and the weekend, the fouryear-old is set to chase a double last achieved by Stoute’s Opera House in 1993 and before him the great Nashwan in 1989.

Alan Cooper, racing manager for the Niarchos family, said: “The plan is to run. If there was a lot of rain in the coming days we might have to review it, But it’s a nice, sunny day today and, all being well, he’ll be there to take his chance.

“Everyone is very happy with him. I think the line of thought from Sir Michael and his team is that he’ll be as effective over a mile and a half as he is over a mile and a quarter. It’s good to have the option of running over both distances.”

The King George received a significant potential boost over the weekend after connections of dual Oaks heroine Enable gave the filly the option of taking on the boys for the first time.

While trainer John Gosden has not yet committed her to a run, Cooper admits her possible inclusion – which is due to be decided today – adds spice to the race.

Highland Reel is in line to become only the third horse to win back-to-back runnings and is set to be joined by his younger brother, Idaho.

However, significant rain would be of some concern to the Aidan O’Brien team.

Coolmore’s UK representative Kevin Buckley said: “We are very mindful of the weather, I must admit. Talking to Aidan this morning it is likely we will have two runners and they will be the full-brothers Idaho and Highland Reel.

“Highland Reel likes Ascot. He does prefer good or better ground and I must point that out,” he said.

Picture: Getty. Defending champion Highland Reel.