Ryan Moore admits 'I'm wary' of Frankie Dettori as top jockeys prepare for epic King George battle

RYAN MOORE has singled out the horse he fears the most in Ascot's blockbuster King George on Saturday.

The race of the season features 11 genuine superstars - and it's Frankie Dettori's mount Moore believes could pose the biggest challenge to Auguste Rodin.

Dettori, who is in his final season in the saddle, gets the ride on recent Coronation Cup winner Emily Upjohn.

The four-year-old filly is a 4-2 chance behind the three market leaders Auguste Rodin, Hukum and King Of Steel.

All eyes will be on the rematch between the Epsom Derby one-two - but Moore believes the biggest danger lurks in the shape of the 52-year-old Italian.

Moore told Betfair: "This is clearly as deep a King George as we have seen in a fair while, even with the absence of Desert Crown and three others from the five-day stage, and it is no exaggeration to say that they all have a chance of winning.

"Obviously, some a lot more than others, as the betting tells you, but you couldn’t totally dismiss any of these, as the likely outsiders Bolshoi Ballet and Point Lonsdale are Grade 1 and Group 2 winners respectively.

"We’d like to think Auguste Rodin is towards the top of the list of the most likely winners though, and he comes into the race on the back of his two Derby wins.

"Some crabbed the manner of his win at the Curragh last time but I’ll take a Classic success however it lands – and he did it comfortably enough anyway, from a very good horse.

"Though it is probably fair to say his defeat of King Of Steel at Epsom reads a lot better, as the runner-up showed how good that form was when winning at Royal Ascot.

"That was a strong Derby, and we expect him to be very competitive here.

"But Luxembourg is also a proper Group 1 horse, just rated 1lb inferior to him, and he has unfinished business at this trip after an inconclusive run in very deep ground in the Arc.

"A win for him wouldn’t surprise me at all, as I don’t think 1m4f is an issue for him, but the same goes for the likes of Hukum and Emily Upjohn to name just two, a Classic winner in Westover and last year’s winner Pyledriver.

"This race is as good as it gets in recent years, and certainly in terms of depth, even with the no-shows.

"But luck in-running will play its part with 11 runners, and Luxembourg is drawn one and Auguste Rodin in 11, which may have their challenges.

"But you play the hand you are dealt. I’d be most wary of Emily Upjohn, who I probably think has the best form coming into the race after her second to Paddington in the Eclipse."

Moore also rides Biggles in the 3.00 7f handicap and says the recent rain will benefit the 5-1 favourite.

While he thinks his final mount on the day, Lattam, has a great chance in the mile handicap at 4.50.

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