Bago on target for King George

Bago is on course to take his chance in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Newbury on Saturday week.

Last year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero was only third to Luca Cumani’s Alkaased in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on his latest outing.

But he was today reported to be in fine shape for the midsummer highlight.

“He is in good form and on course for Newbury,” said Alan Cooper, racing manager to the Niarchos family, owners of the four-year-old.

“He is an intended runner at this stage, although a final decision will not be made until next week.”

Bago, trained by Jonathan Pease, won the Prix Ganay at Longchamp on his seasonal debut and was then runner-up to Grey Swallow in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh before his below-par effort at Saint-Cloud.

The Nashwan colt is generally available at around 6-1 for the King George.