Classic winners star in King George

Australia and Taghrooda are the headline names in 35 entries for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 26.

Classic winners star in King George

Australia and Taghrooda are the headline names in 35 entries for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on July 26.

Respective winners of the Investec Derby and Oaks last weekend, there is a chance the two could meet in the mile-and-a-half showpiece, although bids for Classic doubles in Ireland have been out forward as objectives, subject to the ground in Australia’s case.

Angus Gold, racing manager for Taghrooda’s owner Sheikh Hamdan, said: “The thought at the moment is to make a plan for Taghrooda at Ascot next week with Sheikh Hamdan and John Gosden.

“On the face of it, she seems to have come out of the Oaks fine. John always said the Irish Oaks would be next, but obviously we have the other filly Tarfasha (who finished runner-up in the Oaks). It’s just another option and we felt it would be safe to put Taghrooda in the King George just in case we have a change of heart.

“Certainly the trainer’s stated aim is the Irish Oaks, which obviously makes sense because that will keep her against her own sex and age group.

“It would be fun to try and take on the colts and I wouldn’t say we wouldn’t at some stage.”

Sheikh Hamdan can also call on Dubai World Cup runner-up Mukhadram, who is scheduled to run first in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

Gold said: “Mukhadram is due to run in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“I have no doubt that he would get 12 furlongs and I know William Haggas feels the same. Having said that, he is not short of speed and I wouldn’t say he needs to go 12 furlongs. But if we rode him the right way, I’m sure he would get it.

“The King George is certainly a possibility and I know William is very keen to run him in the King George.”

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