High hopes for Maraahel ahead of Ascot

Connections of Maraahel are hoping the six-year-old can finally land an elusive Group One success in Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Michael Stoute’s charge will be having a 12th start at the highest level but he has yet to get his head in front, although he came close when stablemate Notnowcato beat him by the narrowest of margins in last year’s Juddmonte International at York.

However, despite his advancing years, the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned entire has been in the form of his life this season, claiming a second successive Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“He has been a privilege to be around. He’s a real star. He’s been very consistent this year and he seems to be enjoying his racing,” said Angus Gold, the owner’s racing manager.

“For some reason he has been in the form of his life this year, just generally more consistent and running to his best every time.

“He seems to be happy enough anyway.”

And even though soft ground is highly likely at Ascot this weekend, Gold does not think it will pose too much of a problem for Maraahel.

“I don’t think soft ground will be a problem to him and he has performed with a bit of cut before,” added Gold.

“However, he does run so well on fast ground that you would have to have some form of doubt about whether very testing ground would suit him. Hopefully it won’t be too bad.”