Sat, 28 Jul, 2018 - 05:35

By Darren Norris

Until Thursday morning, one thing looked certain about the 2018 renewal of the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

It seemed inevitable Michael Stoute would end today as the most successful trainer in the great race’s history. What was less clear was whether a record sixth triumph in the Ascot showpiece would be provided by Poet’s Word or Crystal Ocean.

Epsilon Indi and Danny Mullins fall at the last when clear in the Maggie May’s Pub Handicap Hurdle at Wexford. Picture: Healy Racing.

However, come declaration time, the complexion of this illustrious Group 1 altered dramatically. Well, sort of. Maybe.

The absence of the Aidan O’Brien-trained Kew Gardens from the final field due to a poor scope came as a surprise but the bigger shock by far was Cracksman being left in the line-up.

All week long, the vibes had been that the Frankel colt would not be taking part as the ground would be too quick for him.

However, the possibility of significant rain arriving at Ascot on Friday tempted connections into leaving their charge in the shake-up with a final decision on his participation to be taken this morning.

The will he, won’t he saga doesn’t half complicate matters as, at his best, Cracksman would undoubtedly be the one to beat here. After all, he trashed Poet’s Word in the Champion Stakes last October. That was an awesome display but one which came on soft ground.

And, even if connections decide enough rain has fallen for Cracksman to take his chance here, conditions will undoubtedly be far quicker today.

Then there’s his form in 2018. Admittedly, he was superb on his comeback run in the Prix Ganey at Longchamp but laboured would be the kindest description on his two displays since.

He got away with it in the Coronation Cup at Epsom, wearing down Salouen late on but he had no answer to Poet’s Word in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

He’s unquestionably better than those efforts but we may have to wait until the autumn to see him to best effect. The indications yesterday were that he won’t run today but even if he does get the green light he looks opposable on current form.

The ground certainly won’t be a problem for either Poet’s Word or Crystal Ocean, both of whom boast outstanding claims.

Poet’s Word brings the stronger form to the table, the Royal Ascot scalp of Cracksman, but that triumph came over 10 furlongs. He has won over a mile and a half in the past but there’s little doubt his optimum trip is over two furlongs shorter.

Then there’s his age. Stoute excels with older horses but no five-year-old has won this race this century. In contrast, no less than 13 four-year-olds have obliged in the same timeframe, a record that bodes well for Crystal Ocean.

The Sea The Stars colt has benefited from Stoute’s patient approach, ending his three-year-old campaign with a brilliant effort in defeat when narrowly touched of by Capri in a vintage St Leger.

He has maintained his progress this season, winning all three of his starts, most recently landing the Hardwicke Stakes in convincing fashion over course and distance.

This assignment obviously requires more but Crystal Ocean has long looked a Group 1 winner in waiting and the expectation is his greater stamina will ensure he outstays Poet’s Word.

A case could be made for several in the 29-runner Gigaset International Stakes but, at 16-1, Spanish City looks to have solid each-way prospects.

The Exceed And Excel colt has run with credit in his five starts this season, winning twice and he was only just touched off by the re-opposing Burnt Sugar in the Burbury Cup at Newmarket last time out. He may be able to go one better here.

Corrosive could be the answer in the Porsche Handicap. Victorious on his first two starts this season, Hugo Palmer’s charge was a trifle disappointing when 10th in the Britannia before bouncing back to finish second at Newmarket last time out. He’ll sport headgear for the first time today and the hope is that’ll eke out further improvement.

The Group 3 Princess Margaret Keeneland Stakes kicks off today’s Ascot action and Ed Walker’s Royal Intervention, a dominant winner at Newmarket last month, is fancied to go in again.

Forest Ranger was out of his depth when last of seven in the Coral-Eclipse but may be able to bounce back in the calmer waters of the Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes.

Before being found out at Sandown, Richard Fahey’s charge had won his previous two starts and a return to that form would put him bang in the frame here.

It could be a fruitful afternoon for Fahey as the dangerously handicapped Growl is fancied to run a big race in the Sky Bet Dash Handicap.

Get Knotted has endured a frustrating season to date, finishing second three times but he can go one better in the Skybet Britain’s Most Popular Online Bookmaker Handicap, a race he won last year and in 2016.