King George | Horse Racing Free Tips

James Doyle Confirmed to Ride Mishriff in King George

James Doyle, who has been enjoying a season to remember, has landed another plum ride after it was announced that he will replace David Egan aboard Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}) in Saturday's G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco S. at Ascot.

Egan recorded the biggest payday of his career when partnering the John and Thady Gosden-trained Mishriff to Saudi Cup glory in 2021, however, the ride aboard the three-time Group 1 winner became available after last week Prince Faisal revealed that he would be using the best available jockey.

That announcement came shortly after Mishriff finished second in the G1 Coral-Eclipse, an effort Doyle said points to the fact the 5-year-old retains all of his old zest for the game.

He told Nick Luck's Daily Podcast, “I couldn't be more thankful to the connections for putting their trust in me and choosing me to ride him.

“He's an incredible horse and what he has achieved is just outstanding. I thought his run in the Eclipse showed he is still right at the top of his game.”

Doyle, who has already won the Qipco 2,000 Guineas aboard Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the 1,000 Guineas on Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) this season, added, “I'm going into Mr Gosden's tomorrow morning to pop on him as obviously I've not ridden him before, but I've seen a fair bit of him and it will be nice to jump on board before Saturday.

“He travels into his races really well and I thought he was a shade unlucky in the Eclipse. It was an incredible run really to get stopped the way he did and when he got out he really hit the line hard.”

Mishriff is a general 4-1 chance for Saturday's Group 1. He finished second behind Derby hero Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in the mile-and-a-half contest 12 months ago.

Opposition in this year's race is headed by another Derby winner, the Ralph Beckett-trained Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}), last seen storming to glory in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh in June.

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Keane Keeps The Ride Aboard Irish Derby Hero Westover in King George

Colin Keane will maintain his partnership with G1 Irish Derby hero Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth QIPCO S. at Ascot next week.

The news was confirmed by Barry Mahon, general manager for owners Juddmonte, at the Curragh on Saturday.

Ralph Beckett's colt was ridden by Rob Hornby on his first two starts this year, winning the G3 Classic Trial S. at Sandown before finishing third in the Derby at Epsom, but Keane was aboard for the colt's greatest triumph in the Irish Derby last month.

The Juddmonte team are keen to keep the winning partnership intact and, speaking to Racing TV, Mahon said, “We're very excited, the horse is in good form. I spoke with Ralph this morning, he's very happy with him and all being well in the next few days, he's set to go to the King George and Colin Keane will ride him.”

He added, “[There's] no major thinking [behind the decision], he won on him the last day, he's a three-times champion jockey and we have a very close association with him.

“He's ridden two Classic winners for us and we have a special arrangement with him that when his first retainer Ger Lyons doesn't use him, we can have his services and he's available next weekend and Ger has kindly let him off to ride the horse, so he will stay on board.”

Racing fans may have been denied the rematch between Westover and his Derby conqueror Desert Crown (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) at Ascot on Saturday when Sir Michael Stoute was forced to rule his unbeaten colt out of the race after he suffered a setback.

However, no sooner had Desert Crown been scratched, Oaks runner-up Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who missed the Irish equivalent due to travel complications, was re-rerouted to Ascot.

Mahon commented, “We're very excited. We were in this position before the Irish Derby with [Oaks winner] Tuesday getting supplemented, so we're used to surprises.”

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Derby Winner Desert Crown Ruled Out Of The King George

Desert Crown (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) has been ruled out of next week's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot.

The impressive Derby winner had been due to clash again with Epsom third Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the 12-furlong Group One on Saturday week, but his trainer Sir Michael Stoute has announced he will not run.

Desert Crown, unbeaten in three starts so far, was reported to be suffering a “foot niggle” on Wednesday.

Stoute told the PA news agency, “The colt won't be going to Ascot for the King George.”

Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail, said Desert Crown could not be risked, despite what he felt was a minor injury.

He said, “Desert Crown has had a foot injury and has had a scan, although I don't know the final results of the scan. Michael (Stoute) just said to me he won't be able to run in the King George.

“There is nothing untoward, but whatever it is, they have caught it before it is too late. They have nipped something in the bud. His preparation would come too close to the race to press on with it.

“If it were a lesser horse, we might take a chance, but you dare not take a chance with a horse like this. You can't go to a race like this 95 per cent fit.”

He added, “Only time will tell, but hopefully he'll be able to get him back-although Michael didn't say anything to me-I'm thinking about York (Juddmonte International) and then the Arc.”

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Derby Winner Adayar to Miss Eclipse with Appleby Looking at King George Instead

Last year's Derby winner Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) will will miss the Coral-Eclipse S. at Sandown, according to his trainer Charlie Appleby, who has nominated the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot next month as the most likely destination for the 4-year-old's return.

Adayar has not run this season and had already been ruled out of the Coronation Cup at Epsom after suffering a minor setback.

However, Appleby has reported Adayar to be back in full work and, while he won't be ready in time for the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot or the Eclipse, the trainer is optimistic that he will make the King George VI.

Appleby said, “We have decided to bypass the Eclipse at Sandown and head straight to the King George VI at Ascot with Adayar.

“He is back in full work and doing well, but we want to allow him plenty of time to build back up to race fitness.”

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