No, Soapy is out.....
Final field...
Heart's Cry
Electrocutionist
Hurricane Run
Maraahel
Enforcer
Cherry Mix (a Godolphin rabbit in this one...)
From Racing Post...
Danger out of King George
by Thomas Deane and Nick Robson
SOAPY DANGER will not take his chance in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Mark Johnston's three-year-old, winner of the Group 3 Queen's Vase and Group 2 Prince of Wales's Stakes on his last two starts, has been withdrawn at the final declaration stage along with Godolphin's Belenus.
To that end, last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Hurricane Run faces just five rivals in his bid to claim a fourth win at the highest level.
Andre Fabre's charge faces stiff opposition from Godolphin's Dubai World Cup winner Electrocutionist and Japanese raider Heart's Cry, who is the only thoroughbred to lower the colours of Deep Impact.
Godolphin will run Cherry Mix to ensure a strong pace for Electrocutionist, while Sir Michael Stoute will be represented by Hardwicke Stakes winner Maraahel.
The line-up is completed by the William Muir-trained Enforcer.
Explaining the reasoning behind Soapy Danger's withdrawal, Gary Coffey, racing manager to owner Renata Jacobs, said: "We just felt that he's come a long way in a short space of time in his career.
"That is basically the bottom line - we looked at the various pros and cons, had a healthy debate about it, and ended up with this decision.
"It's unlikely he'll go to Goodwood (for the Group Three BGC Stakes) as he's going to have penalties to carry there.
"We have no definite plans but he does hold a St Leger entry." Muir is looking forward to saddling Enforcer, who will be ridden by Martin Dwyer, in the £750,000 contest.
The Efisio colt was last seen finishing third behind Soapy Danger in the Princess Of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket - having previously occupied the same position behind Maraahel in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting.
Muir reports Enforcer to have come out of his last race unscathed and hopes he will acquit himself well once again.
"Things have gone fine since Newmarket and the horse is in great shape," he confirmed.
"He's in fine form and has completed all his serious work now - he's just ticking away now and has done everything I want of him.
"We go to the races to enjoy it and you don't get many opportunities of running in races like this.
"It's not going to be a massive field so we go there with a chance.
"It's a very, very good race to be taking part in so we'll go there and enjoy it."
|