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.