Alamshar heads King George field

All the leading fancies stood their ground for Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at today’s final declaration stage.

Ante-post favourite Alamshar heads the list of 14 runners, the largest field since Ile De Bourbon beat 13 rivals in 1978.

Alamshar along with Vodafone Derby hero Kris Kin and Tote Dante Stakes winner Magistretti represent the Classic generation.

But the older horses have a very strong team headed by last year’s runner-up Nayef, Coral-Eclipse Stakes victor Falbrav and Arc second Sulamani.

There was one millimetre of rain overnight at Ascot and the going is now described as good to firm, good in places.

Further rain at the Berkshire track would assist the chances of Millenary, whose connections have warned that the six-year-old may not run if the ground is too firm.