Falbrav to go for King George glory
Falbrav was today given the go-ahead to run in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Trainer Luca Cumani finally ended speculation about the five-year-old’s participation in the £750,000 (€1m) contest after the Coral-Eclipse Stakes winner worked this morning in the hands of his big-race jockey Darryll Holland.
Cumani explained the reason for delaying the decision to go to Ascot.
“We wanted to go as close as possible before making a decision to check on the horse’s well-being,” said the Newmarket-based trainer.
“We are satisfied that he has recovered very well from the Eclipse and that he is in excellent form.”
Holland is oozing with confidence.
He said: “As far as I am concerned it is simple – if the horse stays he will win. He showed a great cruising speed at Sandown and really quickened up well. He is a class act and it is an honour to ride him.
“The ground should be on the fast side which is great – I just hope they stop watering now.
“We had a good draw at Sandown so now we are just hoping the Gods look down favourably on us again.”
Falbrav is an 8-1 chance with the Tote to take Ascot’s midsummer showpiece.
King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes betting:
Tote: 11-4 Alamshar, 9-2 Kris Kin, Nayef, 5-1 Sulamani, 8-1 Falbrav, 12-1 Victory Moon, 16-1 Indian Creek, Warrsan, Bollin Eric, Leadership, 20-1 Millenary, 25-1 Grandera, 33-1 Mamool, 40-1 Magistretti, 100-1 Narrative, 150-1 Izdiham.
