Alamshar heads star cast for King George

Ante-post favourite Alamshar heads a star-studded cast for Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes, for which 16 horses stood their ground at today’s confirmation stage.

Alamshar finished third behind Kris Kin in the Vodafone Derby before going on to defeat Dalakhani in the Irish equivalent.

A mouth-watering rematch between the two Derby winners looks on the cards in the Ascot showpiece with Kris Kin reported to be on course for the £750,000 (€1.05m) contest.

Godolphin have their usual strong hand, with five horses still entered.

Following wins with Swain in 1997 and 1998 and Daylami in 1999, they will be bidding for their fourth King George and their 100th Group One success in all.

The five Godolphin entries are Grandera, Leadership, Mamool, Narrative and Sulamani.

The top older horses Nayef and Warrsan add spice to an intriguing contest.

Luca Cumani is to make a late decision on the participation of his Coral-Eclipse Stakes winner Falbrav.

Victory Moon, fifth in the Eclipse, will run for South African trainer Mike de Kock.

Indian Creek and Bollin Eric, first and second in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting separated by a neck, are set to do battle again, when the latter will meet his old rival on 5lb better terms.

The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes entries are: Bollin Eric, Falbrav, Grandera, Indian Creek, Izdiham, Leadership, Mamool, Millenary, Narrative, Nayef, Sulamani, Warrsan, Victory Moon, Alamshar, Kris Kin and Magistretti.