King Colin?

A FEW of us over the last week have reminisced on the races that most held our attention in the early years of growing our racing addiction.

The King George in mid-summer was undoubtedly one, from the days of listening to the race on Airs And Races in the ‘70s when The Minstrel held on, and then having to wait until six o’clock to see if he had come through a stewards’ inquiry. I can’t remember if there was a TV strike or if ours was simply broken!

There were the glorious years of top class renewals with the like of Teenoso and Time Charter when it was a proper clash of the generations.

This year has a small but top class field – all Group 1 winners except Emily Upjohn. The most recent three-year-olds to win the King George were Derby and Oaks winners, Adayar and two fillies, Enable in 2017 and Taghrooda in 2014.

The classic generation are favourite to notch up another win today though it is the classic-placed horses who carry the flag.

There are strong grounds for arguing that Emily Upjohn was the best filly in the Oaks and Westover was the second best colt in the Derby.

Mishriff is a worthy rival but there may be a slight doubt over his prowess over this mile and a half. His sole win over the distance came in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic and Adayar was too strong from him in the final furlong on similar ground here last year.

Tactics will be even more important as Broome, well ridden to win the Hardwicke Stakes (fourth here last year), and Pyledriver may take each other on.

Westover was ridden forward and took it up early at the Curragh and you imagine it will be similar here as he stays well.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for Colin Keane and you can be sure he will step boldly into it.

Emily Upjohn has a lot to do on the bare form of her Oaks second and Muisdora win and is short. The Irish Oaks was her target and a much easier one at that.

Torquator Tasso may need it softer – he’s never raced on anything faster than good in Germany and few horses go on all goings. Ryan Moore has been riding at the top of his game this year. It’s a pity the each-way angle is poor, but Broome might just be the one to have a saver on.