Swallow Supported As Irish Dominate King George Market

GREY Swallow is being heavily backed to give Curragh trainer Dermot Weld his first victory in The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Newbury tomorrow afternoon.

The 2004 Irish Derby winner will line up in what is arguably the race of the season so far - with fellow Irish raiders Azamour and Ace joined by last year´s Prix de L´Arc de Triomphe winner Bago and 2005 Epsom Oaks heroine Eswareh. Godolphin will be represented by last year´s winner Doyen with Kerrin McEvoy replacing the injured Frankie Dettori.

Irish horses dominate the betting with three of the top five contenders trained here.

Eoin Ryan, Irish spokesman for leading betting exchange Betfair commented;

´Grey Swallow is the one our punters have latched onto and he´s been backed from 17.0 (16-1) ante post down to his current price of 4.6 (just over 7-2). Azamour is a fairly solid favourite at 3.75 (11-4) but persistent doubts over his ability to see out the trip may see his price drift on the day. Aidan O´Brien´s Ace is likely to be a very warm order with each-way backers and he´s available at a stand-out 13.0 (12-1) on the exchange now.´

The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes

Betfair Bet: 3.75 Azamour, 4.6 Grey Swallow, 6.4 Bago, 9.4 Eswareh, 13.0 Ace, 16.5 Phoenix Reach, 24.0 Gamut, 29.0 Doyen, 38.0 Policy Maker, 60.0 Mubtaker, 90.0 Norse Dancer, 95.0 Warran.