Horse Racing: Godolphin Lukewarm on Laverock

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot has been generous to the Godolphin organisation over the course of the last dozen years, from Lammtarra's breakthrough success in a major all-aged Group One back in 1995, to Doyen's runaway victory three years ago. In all, the prize has returned to their Newmarket base on five occasions, but there seemed little optimism there yesterday that it is about to become six on Saturday.

A thin field of eight runners was declared for the King George yesterday, including Godolphin's Laverock, whose form in the early part of his career in France includes a defeat of Manduro in the 2006 Prix D'Ispahan. A literal reading of that form gives him the beating of Dylan Thomas, the King George favorite, who finished behind Manduro at Royal Ascot last month. All the recent evidence, though, suggests that Manduro has improved immensely over the last 14 months, and Laverock has it all to do this weekend.

The five-year-old was particularly disappointing in Dubai this winter, but showed something of a return to form at Newmarket earlier this month, when he finished 2½ lengths behind Papal Bull.

"He's not a confirmed runner, but he's likely," Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager, said yesterday. "We'll make a decision in the next 48 hours, but if there was a bit of ease in the ground, that would suit him.

"He seems to have done well since his last race, so he might just take his chance. He ran to his form, but he needs to be a lot better than that if he is to be competitive in the King George and he won't be, that's him. He's a very solid, middle-distance prospect, but he more than likely lacks the brilliance required."

If a solid, unspectacular horse like Laverock is ever to win a King George, though, it is likely to be this year. Maraahel, a horse who has failed to win a Group One in a dozen attempts, is the current third-favorite at around 5-1, which indicates the lack of strength in depth this year, and despite his connections' pessimism, Laverock is no bigger than 16-1.

Dylan Thomas, meanwhile, is already odds-on with many bookies and the 11-10 against offered by Coral is unlikely to last unless Ascot receives a serious drenching. "It's hard to be anything other than disappointed with the lack of entries for this showpiece contest," David Stevens, the firm's spokesman, said yesterday. "But Dylan Thomas has the best Group One form in the book and his odds are likely to shorten further."

Godolphin may not hold out much hope of King George success, but their runner Ramonti is likely to be among the market leaders for the Group One Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood next week after being confirmed a runner yesterday. The five-year-old took the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, Godolphin's first Group One of the season.

Ron Cox's tip of the day


Shake On It 4.30 Yarmouth

Three-year-olds have won the last two renewals of this event and Shake On It, who is the sole representative from that age group today, could go well at a decent price. After taking his maiden over a mile on his return in April, he has since shaped as though today's shorter trip will suit and is partnered for the first time by the in-form Seb Sanders. A high draw in stall 13 should also be an advantage.