Hillstar added to King George

Hillstar has, as expected, been supplemented for the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Sir Michael Stoute’s three-year-old claimed the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and owner Sir Evelyn de Rothschild has stumped up the required £75,000 (€87,000) to add him to the field for the midsummer highlight of the Flat season.

Stoute is bidding for a record sixth King George triumph.

Hillstar is one of 11 confirmations, with ante-post favourite St Nicholas Abbey one of three possible runners for Aidan O’Brien.

The master of Ballydoyle also has Chamonix and Ernest Hemingway in the reckoning.

Corine Barande-Barbe’s French superstar Cirrus Des Aigles is set to be joined on the trip across the Channel by compatriot Very Nice Name, as well as Andreas Wohler’s German raider Novellist.

Roger Varian is anticipating a bold bid from Ektihaam, who won the Buckhounds Stakes over the course and distance before slipping up in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting.

“He’s just had routine exercise this morning, he’s had a couple of canters, and he’ll do stronger work tomorrow,” the Newmarket trainer told At The Races.

“I’m happy with how he is, he’s moving well and he looks great.

“To have a horse going who is a genuine contender is really exciting. It’s a huge race, one of the top races in Europe and to be involved is massive for me.”

The field is completed by Universal, Red Cadeaux and Irish Derby hero Trading Leather.

Mount Athos, Mukhadram, Mars, Hunter’s Light and Battle Of Marengo have all been scratched from the race.