Horse Racing: Washington Backed for Winning Return

Seven months after he appeared to gallop into retirement when he finished sixth in the Breeders' Cup Classic, George Washington is a hot favorite this morning to become a Group One winner at two, three and four when he contests the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot next week. Aidan O'Brien's colt, whose stud career was put on hold earlier this year due to disappointing fertility, is 5-4 with Coral for next Tuesday's one-mile contest, when victory would seal the most unlikely comeback for many seasons.

If he can return to anything close to the form of his brilliant success in his supposed British swansong in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes last September, George Washington would be a good thing at odds-against, as few proven Group One performers seem likely to line up against him. Only Red Evie and Stormy River have a win at the top level in a major racing country to their name, while Cesare, the 9-2 joint second-favorite in Coral's list, was a handicapper this time last year, when he won the Royal Hunt Cup over the same straight mile that will be used for next Tuesday's race, and has yet to win a Group race.

Those who backed Holy Roman Emperor for this season's Classics will feel that George Washington owes them a return, as his failure at stud prompted the unusual decision by the Coolmore Stud to retire Holy Roman Emperor, who was fit and sound at the time, to take his place in the covering sheds. Punters might do better to try to get a bet matched on the exchanges, though, as George Washington was available at 11-4 on Betfair last night, albeit to very small stakes.

Ramonti, who was narrowly beaten by Red Evie in the Lockinge Stakes last time out, is also 9-2, while Red Evie herself is half a point bigger despite her success at Newbury last month. Jeremy, the winner of the Group Two Betfred Mile at Sandown in April, is a 12-1 chance, and it is 14-1 bar.

Mick Kinane was backed from 8-1 to 7-2 with VCBet yesterday to finish the Royal meeting as the top jockey for the second time in three years.

"It would appear that he will be getting plenty of attractive rides from Aidan O'Brien next week in addition to the other top stables that have been using his services," Neal Wilkins, the bookmaker's spokesman, said.

Frankie Dettori, who has won three Classics in the last nine days, is a 4-1 chance, along with Jamie Spencer, who took the riding honors at the meeting 12 months ago.