Soft track at Ascot rules Flintshire out of King George
FRENCH raider Flintshire will not take up his engagement in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot today.
Andre Fabre’s dual Group One winner has a well-documented preference for a sound surface and with heavy rain having turned the ground soft in Berkshire, connections have decided to take him out of the equation.
Owner Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: “Due to the rain that has fallen and is due to fall at Ascot, Flintshire has been withdrawn from Saturday’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.”
Despite Flintshire’s absence, Abdullah still has a leading contender for the midsummer showpiece in the form of Sir Michael Stoute’s Hardwicke Stakes scorer Snow Sky.
The master of Freemason Lodge has saddled a joint-record five previous winners of the prestigious event, with the brilliant Shergar setting the ball rolling in 1981.
“[Snow Sky] actually quickened well in the Hardwicke and I don’t think people have appreciated that,” said the Newmarket handler. “He seems in good shape and while we have great respect for the Derby winner [Golden Horn], he’s entitled to take his chance. We’re happy with his preparation and it looks a fantastic race.”
Abdullah last landed the King George with Dancing Brave in 1986.
John Gosden, who plans to decide on Saturday morning whether to let Derby and Eclipse double winner Golden Horn line up in the rainsoftened conditions, also has Hardwicke runner-up Eagle Top and Romsdal in contention.
He said: “The race at Sandown [Brigadier Gerard Stakes] was not run in Eagle Top’s style. He ran a good race, but got tired as expected. It was always the plan to go to Hardwicke and then come to the King George. We’ve not seen the best of him yet.”
Richard Hughes, who retires from the saddle in a week’s time, is set to get one last shot at King George glory on Eagle Top. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have got the ride. He’s second favourite and looks to be the danger to Golden Horn.
“He was really impressive at Ascot last year where he won the King Edward VII Stakes and ran a good race at Royal Ascot on his latest start when he finished behind Snow Sky. He’s a maturing horse and seems to be improving, so I’m hoping he puts in a good show on Saturday.”