George favourite for QEII

George Washington, brilliant winner of the Stan James 2000 Guineas, has been installed as the 6-4 favourite by Ladbrokes for Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

After his Newmarket success, Aidan O’Brien’s star colt was defeated in the Irish version, although it later transpired he had suffered a muscle injury.

The highly-strung colt returned to action in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood last month when he could finish only third behind Caradak after being sent off at odds-on for the Group Two contest.

However, O’Brien reports his charge to have “come forward” since that run and he has had an unhindered preparation for the Group One feature.

“The intention is to run,” the Ballydoyle trainer said. “He’s in good shape and seems to be fine mentally, but George is George. We’re happy with him and so far everything is good.”