King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes tips and odds: Auguste Rodin backed for glory
The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, one of the highlights of the summer Flat racing calendar, is a Group 1 contest at Ascot over 1m 4f that often features a clash of generations.
A field of 11 has been declared this year, including the Derby winner Auguste Rodin and runner-up King Of Steel. Hukum and Emily Upjohn are two of the highest-rated older horses, while last year’s winner Pyledriver will be bidding to become just the fourth runner to win this contest more than once.
Frankie Dettori, who has prevailed in this race seven times as a jockey, a record he shares with Lester Piggott, is on board Emily Upjohn. And trainer Aidan O’Brien is bidding for a fifth success. The Irishman is set to saddle four horses, including Auguste Rodin.
Ascot, 3.40, Saturday July 29 – King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds
Odds are courtesy of Betfred, correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
- Deauville Legend @ 25/1 with Betfred
King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting predictions
- Selection: Auguste Rodin @ 3/1 with Betfred
- Next best: Hukum @ 9/2 with Betfred
Odds correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change.
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Epsom winner in shape to mould quality field
Whatever happens from now until the end of the season, AUGUSTE RODIN is set to have a big career as a stallion. The dual Derby winner has shown he is one of the best of his generation. However, he can enhance his reputation even further in the King George by beating some very good older horses.
The son of Deep Impact began the season with defeat in the 2,000 Guineas, finishing 12th of 14. That race at Newmarket was always going to be his toughest challenge of this campaign, as his connections were very honest about the 1m distance being on the short side for him.
When he lined up at Epsom, the champion two-year-old had to prove himself again, and he did so in style. The front two in that race finished a long way clear of the rest of the field. King Of Steel then boosted the form of the contest when he won the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot.
The Ballydoyle runner’s victory in the Irish Derby at the Curragh was not quite as impressive on the eye, but he still got the job done, continuing his trainer’s domination of the Irish Classic. That success left him off an official rating of 123, the second highest in this field, with just the defending champion Pyledriver ahead of him at 124.
As shown in the Coral-Eclipse earlier this month, Classic winner Paddington took advantage of the weight allowance for three-year-olds to defeat Emily Upjohn.
Auguste Rodin is arguably a much better horse than the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner, and with so much weight in his favour here he can replicate what Galileo and Adayar did in 2001 and 2021 respectively by completing the Derby and King George double.
Selection: Auguste Rodin @ 3/1 with Betfred
Hukum on course to get going
With the ground described as soft and more rain set to fall on the Berkshire course before the big race on Saturday, connections of HUKUM will be confident of a big run from their horse as he has some solid form with juice in the ground.
The six-year-old prevailed over course and distance in the Group 3 Cumberland Lodge Stakes almost two years ago. He blew the field away by just over six lengths in what was an impressive performance.
Owen Burrows’s runner proved himself at the highest level last season when he won the Group 1 Coronation Cup at Epsom, beating Pyledriver. He also made a winning return to action in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown in May. There is likely to be much more to come from this horse with that spin behind him, especially in conditions that will suit.
Selection: Hukum @ 9/2 with Betfred
Find more horse racing predictions for forthcoming meetings.
