'He was an eyecatcher in a race that has worked out really well' - Jack Haynes answers the big questions on King George day

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What’s the big story?

Well, that’s an easy one. The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (3.40 Ascot) is the midsummer highlight and we have yet another belting running.

There are six individual Group 1 winners in the nine-runner line-up and favourite Auguste Rodin bids to take his top-level tally to seven.

Godolphin globetrotter Rebel’s Romance is a fascinating contender, arriving with a 5-5 record at a lower level in Britain but more notably boasting five Group/Grade 1 wins on his CV from his travels.

Pretty Polly heroine Bluestocking, four-time Group 1 winner Luxembourg, the progressive Middle Earth – a definite each-way candidate – and Irish Derby second Sunway ensure there is plenty of depth to this top-quality contest.

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Who wins the King George?

It’s hard to see past Auguste Rodin, particularly with the ground on the quick side. He looked to be idling in front in the Prince of Wales’s and was value for more than the winning margin. He can prove a class apart.

What’s the best bet of the day?

Tales Of The Heart (1.50 Ascot) catches my eye on the King George undercard. She was not seen to best effect in the Duchess of Cambridge last time – a race in which it paid to be prominent – but there was lots to like about her Empress second the time before. She shouldn’t be a double-figure price.

What’s the lay of the day?

I’m happy to take on Passenger in the Sky Bet York Stakes (3.15). This is his first start since May and a potential stepping stone to the Juddmonte International. I wouldn’t be surprised if any of his three rivals were successful, such is the quality of opposition.

Which handicapper cannot go unbacked?

Silky Wilkie has to be a big player in the Sky Bet Dash Handicap (2.40) at York after a back-to-form second to course specialist Jordan Electrics in the Scottish Stewards’ Cup at Hamilton.

That was the first time he had encountered a sound surface this year and he has run well on all four previous visits to York.

What’s the nap away from the ITV action?

There could be plenty of juice in the price of Irish Nectar in the 6f three-year-old handicap (4.05) at Chester.

Kevin Ryan’s sprinter was an eyecatcher at York’s Dante meeting in a race that has worked out really well. His two juvenile wins came on soft ground, so the forecast heavy showers are a big plus, as is the booking of course maestro Franny Norton.

ITV Racing schedule

• 1.50 Ascot: Sodexo Live! Princess Margaret Stakes, 6f
• 2.05 York: Sky Bet “Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe” Handicap, 5f
• 2.25 Ascot: Longines Valiant Stakes, 1m
• 2.40 York: Sky Bet Dash Handicap, 6f
• 3.00 Ascot: Moet & Chandon International Stakes Handicap, 7f
• 3.15 York: Sky Bet York Stakes, 1m2½f
• 3.40 Ascot: King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, 1m4f

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