Authorized tops King George hopefuls

Peter Chapple-Hyam’s impressive Derby winner Authorized heads 37 high-class entries for the £750,000 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 28.

The last horse to carry off the famous double was Aidan O’Brien’s brilliant Galileo in 2001 and he joined a list that comprised of some of racing’s greatest names.

Shergar, Mill Reef, The Minstrel, Nijinsky, Nashwan, Generous and Lammtarra all achieved the double and Authorized would surely not look out of place on that list.

He is reportedly on target to make his next appearance in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown on July 7.

Aidan O’Brien has a mammoth 15 entries, headed by triple Group One winner Dylan Thomas, Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats, Derby runner-up Eagle Mountain and most interesting of all, the returning George Washington.

There are two entries from France, the top-class Manduro and the brilliant filly Mandesha, while the Prince Flori has also been given an entry.

American trainer Kenny McPeek, responsible for the 2004 runner-up Hard Buck, could send over Drilling For Oil.

Godolphin, fresh from getting back on the Group One trail with Ramonti at Royal Ascot, have two entries. Cherry Mix and Laverock.