Crystal Ocean is in control of the Hardwicke
Crystal Ocean is in control of the Hardwicke

Crystal Ocean and Poet's Word clash in King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes


Sir Michael Stoute's two leading older horses - Crystal Ocean and Poet's Word - clash in Saturday's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Stoute has won the great race five times, last tasting success in the summer highlight with Harbinger in 2010, and he looks like firing his two big bullets at this weekend's Group One feature.

Crystal Ocean has already proved himself to be a class act over the trip this season, with victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot last time out. He'll bid to open his account at the top level at the second time of asking having come up half length short when second to Capri in last year's St Leger.

William Buick is set to team up with the market leader. The four-year-old has been partnered by Ryan Moore in each of his three victories this term, including the Hardwicke, but Moore is set to ride for Aidan O'Brien, leaving Stoute to line up Buick for his stable star.

Buick, who won the King George in 2011 aboard Nathaniel, said: "It's a great spare ride to pick up. He is a lovely horse, with a very nice profile. It was something that was spoken about last week. It is nice to get the call-up for the King George on a horse like this.

"I'm riding him tomorrow morning on the gallops."

He added: "He certainly looks to be very tough and genuine and an uncomplicated horse that gallops along very well in his races.

"It's been a good season so far, but I've just got to keep going the next day and the next day after that. There is plenty of the season left and some nice horses still to ride.

"The King George is obviously a great race and is a midsummer highlight and it is nice to be included on a nice horse like Crystal Ocean."

Stablemate Poet's Word moves back up in distance after winning the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at the Royal meeting - he's got a mile and a half success on the CV already having won last year's Glorious Stakes at Goodwood.

O'Brien will attempt to draw level with Stoute on five King George wins on Saturday and he's left five horses in the mix, with Kew Gardens leading a team which also includes Cliffs Of Moher, Nelson, Rostropovich and filly Hydrangea.

Cracksman remains in contender for John Gosden, who could instead rely on Coronet if the ground remains fast, while Mark Johnston's Dee Ex Bee has also stood his ground.

Desert Encounter from the David Simcock stable and Sylvester Kirk's Salouen also figure in the 14 entries and they are joined by potential French raiders Waldgeist and Bateel.

Crystal Ocean is 6/4 favourite for the King George with Sky Bet, with Poet's Word next in the market at 5/2 ahead of 5/1 shot Kew Gardens.

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