Moore likely for Conduit ride
Ryan Moore looks increasingly likely to side with Conduit over stablemate Tartan Bearer in Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Conduit was last seen finishing third behind Sea The Stars and Rip Van Winkle in the Coral-Eclipse, while Tartan Bearer was beaten just half a length in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Both horses are owned by Ballymacoll Stud and while no final decision will be made until later in the week, racing manager Peter Reynolds expects the champion jockey to be aboard last year’s St Leger and Breeders’ Cup Turf hero Conduit.
“A final decision hasn’t been made but it looks as though Ryan is going to stick with Conduit and Mick Kinane will ride the other horse, Tartan Bearer,” said Reynolds.
“It’s not absolutely cast in stone and Ryan can change his mind at the last minute, but that’s the way it is at the moment.
“It’s Ryan’s call at the end of the day as he’s the stable jockey. I spoke to Sir Michael (Stoute) after they worked on Saturday and he was happy with both horses.
“They are both stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time this year so it’s going to be interesting.
“I suppose it’s better going there with two good chances rather than one and we are hoping for the very best.”
Stoute will also saddle Coronation Cup winner Ask, who is reportedly set to be ridden by French jockey Olivier Peslier.
Stoute's trio feature among just 11 possibles for the Group One contest at the confirmation stage.
Aidan O’Brien is seeking a third consecutive King George victory following the successes of Dylan Thomas and Duke Of Marmalade and he has left in Frozen Fire, Freemantle, Golden Sword and Rockhampton.
Luca Cumani’s Eclipse fourth Cima De Triomphe and the Ralph Beckett-trained filly Look Here are other major contenders, while Scintillo and Alwaary complete the field.
Beckett is delighted with Look Here’s current condition but is keeping his fingers crossed that there is not too much rain at Ascot this week.
“She is fine, in good nick, and has gone well since the Pretty Polly. I would think that the way the race will be run, the distance and the track will all suit her,” said Beckett.
“She would prefer quicker ground than a slower surface. It was a close battle with Ask in the Coronation Cup at Epsom and I am looking forward to the race and taking him on again.”
Paddy Power make Conduit the 7-4 market leader to take King George glory, with Coral offering 2-1.
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Paddy Power bet: 7-4 Conduit, 7-2 Tartan Bearer, 5-1 Golden Sword, 13-2 Look Here, 11-1 Ask, 12-1 Cima De Triomphe, 12-1 Frozen Fire, 20-1 Alwaary, 40-1 Scintillo, 50-1 Freemantle, 150-1 Rockhampton.
Coral bet: 2-1 Conduit, 10-3 Tartan Bearer, 4-1 Golden Sword, 7-1 Look Here, 11-1 Ask, 11-1 Cima De Triomphe, 12-1 Frozen Fire, 16-1 Alwaary, 40-1 Freemantle, 50-1 Scintillo, 200-1 Rockhampton.
