Poet’s Word at his peak

Poet’s Word can provide Sir Michael Stoute with another landmark by following up his significant Royal Ascot success back at the Berkshire track in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

After giving the Newmarket trainer a record 76th triumph at the Royal meeting when defeating hot favourite Cracksman in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes over a mile and a quarter, Poet’s Word can reign supreme in the midsummer showpiece.

This race is over a further two furlongs, but the five-yearold has won over the extra distance and he is now at the peak of his powers.

Stoute currently shares the record of five King George wins with Saeed bin Suroor and the late Dick Hern.

Poet’s Word can ensure Stoute stands alone on six and it could be stable companion Crystal Ocean who gives him the most to do.

Winner of the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, Crystal Ocean is another typical latematuring type of horse Stoute excels with, but Poet’s Word can have his measure.

Crack On Crack On had his winning run halted in the Britannia Stakes when he was sent off favourite. However, Clive Cox’s charge lost his chance with a tardy start compounded when he was hampered shortly afterwards.

The Porsche Handicap is not quite as competitive and can provide Crack On Crack On with compensation.

Via Serendipity has been running consistently well in big handicaps all season and can gain just reward in the Gigaset International Stakes.

He did win a decent prize at Sandown last month and was a close fifth in the Victoria Cup over this course and distance in May.

Smart Call finally got off the mark on these shores at Newcastle last month and can step up again in the Sky Bet York Stakes on the Knavesmire for the Stoute stable.

A prolific winner in South Africa, the six-year-old mare had performed creditably at a very high level several times both last season and this before getting her just desserts in the Group Three Hopping Stakes. Now her confidence has been restored, more wins look likely.