Big three bid could prove dominance as super six tackle red-hot King George

If things had panned out slightly differently, race fans might now be salivating over a red-hot King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (3.35) clash between the winners of this year’s Derby, Oaks and Eclipse.

Ascot’s Group 1 midsummer showpiece has often produced some truly memorable finishes, with the Bustino v Grundy humdinger in 1975 still embraced by many of a certain age as the best race of all time.

It’s a contest that traditionally pitches the leading middle-distance three-year-olds against the older horses and, while there may only be six runners, the sextet are all consistent high-achievers at racing’s top level and promise another stunning spectacle.