James Doyle to ride Crystal Ocean in King George as Dettori sticks with Enable

The official handicapper may think Crystal Ocean is the best horse in the world but Frankie Dettori doesn't, with connections of the Prince of Wales's Stakes winner moving quickly to secure the services of James Doyle for the first time in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot on Saturday week.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained five-year-old earned a mark of 127 when triumphing under Dettori at last month's royal meeting, sending him to the head of the latest Longines World's Best Racehorse rankings, but the star jockey is expected to continue his partnership with dual Arc heroine and King George ante-post favourite Enable, who is officially rated 123 but gets 3lb from Crystal Ocean.

Crystal Ocean won his first Group 1 race at Royal Ascot in JuneCredit: Edward Whitaker

Doyle has never partnered Crystal Ocean before but famously defeated him in last year's King George aboard stablemate Poet's Word, winning a thrilling duel up the Ascot straight by a neck.

Doyle's agent George Baker said on Wednesday morning: "He is riding Crystal Ocean in the King George. I spoke to Sir Michael’s office at the weekend and it was confirmed yesterday."

Crystal Ocean has been partnered by Dettori or Ryan Moore for each of his three wins at Sandown, Newbury and Royal Ascot this season, but Moore is expected to ride for Aidan O'Brien, who has seven entered in the Group 1 including Classic winners Anthony Van Dyck and Sovereign.

William Buick rode Crystal Ocean in last year's King George but he is yet to return to the saddle from injury, while Doyle himself may have been unavailable until 2018 Derby winner Masar was retired to stud on Tuesday.

Enable is the 4-6 favourite for the 1m4f Group 1, with Crystal Ocean second best in the market at 3-1. Epsom hero Anthony Van Dyck is best of the rest at 7-1.

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