Confirmed runners and riders for Friday's King George Qatar Stakes

Superstar sprinter Battaash will face 12 rivals in his bid to win the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes for the fifth successive time on Friday.

The Charlie Hills-trained star returned from 298 days off the track to run fourth in his defence of the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, which Hills described as a “massive” effort.

After Stradivarius was pulled out of Tuesday's Goodwood Cup due to the rain-softened ground less than two hours before his planned effort to go five in a row at the festival, conditions are now drying ahead of Battaash’s own attempt at history.

King George Qatar Stakes card and betting

The seven-year-old’s main opposition could be Dragon Symbol, who brings top-class form into the race having had his victory in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot overturned following interference before finishing second behind Starman in the July Cup. He will once again be partnered by champion jockey Oisin Murphy.

Dragon Symbol (right): was demoted to second after hampering Campanelle (right) in the Commonwealth CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

Steel Bull, Happy Romance and Winter Power were the only horses not declared, although the last-named's stablemate Art Power remains in contention for a first Group 2 triumph after finishing an encouraging fourth in the July Cup at Newmarket.

Last year’s King George runner-up Glass Slippers returns to the track for the first time since winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in November with regular partner Tom Eaves in the saddle.

French raider Suesa, the mount of William Buick, is out for redemption after losing her unbeaten record when travelling over for the Commonwealth Cup, with Temple Stakes winner Liberty Beach also among the final field.

King George Qatar Stakes runners and riders

AreciboJamie Spencer
Art PowerSilvestre de Sousa
BattaashJim Crowley
Good EffortRay Dawson
Liberty BeachJason Hart
OrnatePhil Dennis
Stone Of DestinyDavid Probert
ZargunBen Curtis
Glass SlippersTom Eaves
Keep BusyRyan Moore
Dragon SymbolOisin Murphy
UbettabelieveitRowan Scott
SuesaWilliam Buick

Read more on Glorious Goodwood:

Four horses who should relish the soft conditions at Goodwood on Wednesday

First Group 1 for Alan King as Trueshan relishes conditions in Goodwood Cup

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