Don’t desert Des Aigles

IT required the mighty Frankel to damage the perfect Ascot record of CIRRUS DES AIGLES (Ascot, 3.50) last autumn, but with no such imposing rival in opposition today, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes looks at the mercy of the top French raider. The world’s highest-rated Flat horse was grossly in need of his latest run at Saint-Cloud when he faded late on in a Group One won by the likeable soft-ground lover Novellist. Madame Barande-Barbe, the selection’s trainer, revealed her charge was only 60 per cent fit for that comeback from a tendon strain which ruled him out of a tilt at the Hong Kong Cup. It was to the seven-year-old’s credit that he bowled along at the head of affairs for so long, displaying his trademark enthusiasm and exuberance. Cirrus Des Aigles should strip a lot fitter for that outing and the forecast overnight storms should play to his strengths. It is worth recounting that Frankel was required to pull out all the stops in the Champion Stakes at today’s venue and the mount of Christophe Soumillon (right) is simply the class act. Novellist shouldn’t be underestimated if rain falls, but a race-fit Cirrus Des Aigles should have too much class for his German rival, while Irish-trained Trading Leather faces a stiff task taking on older horses for the first time. There was much to like about the latter’s Irish Derby win and Jim Bolger’s charge looks a serious threat but if Cirrus Des Aigles is anywhere near his best then he should take some

beating.