Irish stars skip Ascot showpiece

Soldier Of Fortune and New Approach are the most high-profile absentees following the latest forfeit stage for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Vodafone Derby hero New Approach was as short as 4-1 with William Hill for the race despite having to miss the Irish Derby after a setback.

Soldier Of Fortune won the Coronation Cup for Aidan O’Brien earlier in the season and although he is no longer in the reckoning, the Ballydoyle team still have the odds-on ante-post favourite Duke Of Marmalade.

O’Brien already has 12 Group One wins to his name this season and has also left in Macarthur, Eclipse winner Mount Nelson, Red Rock Canyon, Alessandro Volta, Bashkirov, King Of Rome and Moonstone.

Campanologist, Sagara, Literato and Happy Boy are still in the frame for Godolphin while Sir Michael Stoute has Ask and Papal Bull after taking out Tartan Bearer.

Leading hope Youmzain is still there for Mick Channon, while Lucarno and Petara Bay are the others to stand their ground.