King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Group 1)

Off time: 15:35 | Winning time: 2m 28.92s

(2)

Japan²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: R L Moore| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 122| CD

5/2

Won Grand Prix du Paris and International Stakes at York last season, and improved from reappearance (rusty in Prince of Wales's Stakes) when 2¼L third to Ghaiyyath in Eclipse Stakes at Sandown last time. Return to this trip in his favour.

Form: 1114-43

(4)

Sovereign²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: W Buick| T: A P O'Brien| OR: 117| D

12/1

Well behind his stablemates in last year's Derby before making all in Irish Derby at the Curragh next time. May have needed run on first start since in Vintage Crop Stakes there last month, but has something to find on balance.

Form: 3/2301-3

(3)

Enable²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 9-4| J: L Dettori| T: J & T Gosden| OR: 128| BF| CD

4/9

Outstanding mare with ten Group 1 wins to her name. Had Japan back in fourth when runner-up in Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, and again ahead of that rival when second to Ghaiyyath in the Eclipse on her return. Sets a lofty standard.

Form: 1/1112-2

Non-Runners

(1)

Anthony Van Dyck³⁶

Weight: 9-7| Age: 4

T: A P O'Brien J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Enable (4/9), Japan (5/2), Sovereign (12/1), Anthony Van Dyck (12/1)

A disappointing field, but a potentially fascinating tactical clash between ENABLE and the Ballydoyle battalions, headed by Japan. That colt will appreciate the return to a mile and a half after finishing behind Enable in the Eclipse, but there is no reason to think that she won't benefit just as much given that was her first run of the season. Anthony Van Dyck was below form in the Hardwicke here last time, but his effort behind Ghaiyyath in the Coronation Cup puts him in the picture if bouncing back.