Smullen reaches for the Sky Pat Smullen is delighted to have been given the call-up once more for the ride on Snow Sky in Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The seven-times champion jockey dictated terms to suit himself on Sir Michael Stoute's colt in the Hardwicke Stakes and he ran out an impressive winner. Smullen said: "It's great to get back on him and I think he's there with a huge chance. "Obviously, Golden Horn is going to be extremely difficult to beat, but I was impressed with my horse in the Hardwicke. "Golden Horn looks a very good colt and is getting the weight concession from the older horses, so it's going to be tough." Stoute feels Snow Sky did not receive due credit for last month's Royal Ascot victory. The master of Freemason Lodge said: "He actually quickened well in the Hardwicke and I don't think people have appreciated that. "He seems in good shape and while we have great respect for the Derby winner, he's entitled to take his chance. "We're happy with his preparation and it looks a fantastic race." Snow Sky carries the colours of Khalid Abdullah, who last landed the King George with Dancing Brave in 1986. The owner's racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said: "For the Hardwicke Stakes, we discussed the race beforehand. "Pat Smullen had never ridden him before and it didn't look like there was going to be much pace in the race and we knew he stayed well in the Yorkshire Cup. "We said if there was no pace, don't be afraid to go on and make it and Pat timed it to perfection. He showed a good turn of foot and he was not really coming back to them at the end."
