Beckett confirms target for Westover and a potential Desert Crown rematch

Ralph Beckett has confirmed the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes is the target for Westover, although the trainer stressed his main motivation is the midsummer highlight being the right race for his horse, rather than a determination to avenge his Epsom defeat to Desert Crown.

The Desert Crown camp stated this week they believed their Derby winner, who is the even-money favourite for the premier middle distance race in the British calendar, had his fellow Classic winner covered for a turn of foot.

Juddmonte racing manager Barry Mahon indicated at the time no final decision had been made about Westover's participation at Ascot, but Beckett confirmed the striking son of Frankel to be on target for a Derby rematch on July 23.

"He's in good shape and I'm very happy with him," he said. "It's not so much that we might reverse [the form with Desert Crown], it's more that it's the right race for the horse.

"If he's good enough that will be great for all concerned, and if he's not he's not, but it's the right race for the horse and that's why we're going."

Westover's jockey at Epsom, Rob Hornby, was replaced by Colin Keane for the Irish Derby at the Curragh, but Beckett would not be drawn on who will ride the 4-1 second favourite in the King George.

Asked if a decision had been made, he said: "No. We'll make a decision the week of the race."

For all Westover has to find with Desert Crown on their Derby form, connections should be encouraged that their charge clearly met trouble in-running at Epsom and, in the eyes of the official handicapper at least, put up an improved performance when winning by seven lengths in Ireland.

An official rating of 120, up from the 116 he achieved in the Derby, brings him within touching distance of Desert Crown, who is officially rated 123.

Beckett also feels Westover is maturing. He added: "He's becoming more and more malleable and we really don't have to concentrate on anything other than just getting on and training him, which is great."

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