'Every one of the six is an elite animal' - tough test awaits Westover at Ascot

Westover has a number of challenges to overcome according to connections if the Irish Derby winner is to add to his Classic success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The 11-8 favourite remained solid in the market on Tuesday, while Paddy Power and Coral reported support for Emily Upjohn for a race where key jockey bookings have been firmed up, with James Doyle replacing David Egan on Mishriff and PJ McDonald reunited with Pyledriver.

Saturday's race represents Westover's third run in Group 1 company in seven weeks, with his Epsom third behind Desert Crown and Hoo Ya Mal followed by a trip to Ireland for a seven-length defeat of Piz Badile, who finished down the field in last week's Grand Prix de Paris.

This weekend he faces an altogether higher standard of opposition, despite the absence of his Epsom conqueror, as he meets his elders for the first time and Barry Mahon, racing manager to owners Juddmonte, said: "It's going to be a strong race, even without the Derby winner.

"Emily Upjohn is a top-class filly who was unlucky not to win the Oaks, you have the Arc winner [Torquator Tasso] and we all know how good you need to be to win that, and Mishriff needs no introduction with his Group 1 haul and the prize-money he's won. Broome probably ran a career-best on his last start and Pyledriver is a top-class horse, every one of the six is an elite animal capable of winning the race."

Mahon also voiced concern that their colt has journeyed to Ireland since Epsom, whereas their main market rival Emily Upjohn comes to Ascot fresh.

"He was impressive at the Curragh but I suppose a bit of a concern is that he did go to Ireland," added Mahon. "That was three weeks on from Epsom and it's only four weeks since then, whereas the filly is fresh from Epsom.

"Doing that when you're competing at this level, in Group 1 company, makes it a little bit more challenging but we know we have a very good horse and if he turns up on the day he'll give a good account of himself."

Mahon is delighted to have Colin Keane on board once again. He said: "Colin won very well on him the last day and we have a very close affinity with him, he's now ridden us two Classic winners and whenever he's available he rides for us, as he did in the Chesham. Ryan and Frankie do too, when they're available, but it was a straightforward decision. I'm sure there will be times throughout the year when he won't be available, his first retainer is to Ger Lyons, but the fact he was available, it made sense."

The small but select nature of the field means Mahon expects Keane’s job to be relatively straightforward. He added: "It's a small field on a big track. Pyledriver and Broome have gone forward on recent starts, so hopefully they do and it's a nice, even gallop the whole way and everyone gets a fair crack in the straight and we'll see who comes out on top."

Mishriff (far right) ran on strongly to take second in the Coral-Eclipse under David EganCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

A stellar season for Doyle could get even better after connections confirmed Godolphin's number two will partner last year's runner-up Mishriff.

The mount on Mishriff had been one of the main questions since owner Prince Faisal parted company with rider David Egan, stating he would use the best available.

Explaining Prince Faisal's decision to opt for Doyle, who this season completed the Guineas double aboard Coroebus and Cachet and enjoyed a third victory at the highest level aboard Naval Crown in the Platinum Jubilee at Royal Ascot, the owner's racing manager Ted Voute said: "James rode for us when we raced Belardo in partnership with Godolphin and won on him and was second in two Group 1s, including the Queen Anne at Ascot.

"He's having a great year. He'll sit on him before Saturday and we are looking forward to meeting the younger generation and hope we can go one better than last year and in the Eclipse."

Another change of jockey was confirmed when joint-trainer William Muir said McDonald would partner Pyledriver. Regular rider Martin Dwyer is unavailable due to injury and Frankie Dettori, who has ridden him in his last two starts, is required to partner Emily Upjohn.

Keen to avoid a similar scenario in future, Muir said: "PJ's ridden him once and won on him, he rides for the stable quite a lot and I like him. Tom Marquand and William Buick are fantastic jockeys, but the next time he runs they'll be committed to their stables and I said to PJ, 'If you can commit to riding him until Martin's back the ride is yours', and he's a great jockey too.

"I'm not saying we go there as a nailed-on certainty, but he will run a big race and we want the right man on our side this time, the next time and until Martin's available again."

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (Ascot, Saturday)

Coral: 11-8 Westover, 5-2 Emily Upjohn, 7-2 Mishriff, 12 Pyledriver, Torquator Tasso, 14 Broome

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