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One horse, one jockey, one race and one trainer to watch on Saturday

The day she dug deepest: Crystal Ocean makes Enable pull out all the stops at Ascot
Enable (near): bids for a historic third King George on SaturdayCredit: Mark Cranham

One horse

It simply has to be Enable, who bids to become the first three-time winner of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (3.35) but has to bounce back from consecutive defeats for the first time in her illustrious career.

Two second places in Group 1s would be considered near excellence for almost all other horses but Enable is different and another defeat here would bolster the argument that her powers are beginning to wane.

Connections still have a historic third Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in mind and a commanding performance on Saturday would go a long way to staving off fears of a decline.

Only two rivals stand in her way, following the defection of Anthony Van Dyck on Friday night, but with Japan and Sovereign also hailing from Aidan O'Brien's yard you can be sure her task will not be easy.

One jockey

While it helps being the principal retained rider for one of the world's dominant owners, William Buick has been in such good form of late that he demands close attention at Ascot.

Even before a plum book of rides at Newmarket on Friday, Buick could boast a 28 per cent strike-rate over the past two weeks and he has the feel as the Flat's in-form man in the saddle.

William Buick: in cracking form of late
William Buick: in cracking form of lateCredit: Edward Whitaker

The likes of handicapper Power Of States (4.10) and promising juvenile Naval Crown (1.50) look good opportunities for Buick to get on the board at Ascot, while his call-up for last year's Irish Derby hero Sovereign in the King George (3.35) for O'Brien is intriguing.

One race

The Sky Bet York Stakes (2.40) on the Knavesmire is shaping up to be a cracker and there is no doubt that last year's winner Elarqam will need to be at the top of his game if he is to become the first dual winner of the Group 2 contest.

The five-year-old is yet to hit his straps in two starts this season and faces a talented group of six rivals including four-year-olds King Of Comedy and Telecaster.

Regal Reality and Aspetar both boast handy Group-level form, as does last year's Queen Anne winner Lord Glitters, who would be an emotional winner for those close to his late owner Geoff Turnbull.

One trainer

Owen Burrows has struggled for consistency in the past few seasons but the trainer has a horse to get excited about in the shape of Twaasol.

A decisive winner of the Woodcote Stakes on Derby day this month, the two-year-old now goes for the Listed Betfred TV Pat Eddery Stakes (1.50) at Ascot as he attempts to prove himself a legitimate contender for Classic honours next season.

EPSOM, ENGLAND - JULY 04: Twaasol and jockey Martin Harley wins the Investec Woodcote EBF Stakes at Epsom Racecourse on July 04, 2020 in Epsom, England. The famous race meeting will be held behind closed doors for the first time due to the coronavirus pan
Twaasol wins the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom on Derby dayCredit: Edward Whitaker

Burrows enjoyed a Group 3 winner at Newbury last weekend with Tabdeed in the Hackwood Stakes and looks to have a good chance of notching another notable Saturday success here.


Read more:

2020 King George at Ascot: the runners, the odds, the verdict

Who will win the 2020 King George based on previous trends?

'It will be tactical' – Gosden happy to let Dettori take the lead in King George

Japan to tackle Enable at Ascot as Magical goes to the Curragh on Sunday instead


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Racing Post Reporter

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