Eight Confirmed For King George

Dylan Thomas will face a maximum of seven rivals in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

As expected, leading three-year-olds Authorized and Soldier Of Fortune have been taken out, but Aidan O'Brien still has three possibles.

Along with Dylan Thomas, former St Leger winner Scorpion and Yellowstone could represent the Ballydoyle handler.

Godolphin, who have a fine recent record in the race following the victories of Swain (1997-98), Daylami (1999) and Doyen (2004), rely on Laverock.

Dual Hardwicke Stakes winner Maraahel goes in search of that elusive Group One victory, while Youmzain could bid to bounce back from a below-par run in France last time out.

The popular Sergeant Cecil may drop back in trip, while the international challenge comes from Prince Flori, trained by Sascha Smrczek in Germany.

Dylan Thomas remains Coral's 11-10 favourite, with stablemate Scorpion the 4-1 second favourite ahead of Maraahel at 5s.

Coral spokesman David Stevens said: 'It's hard to be anything other than disappointed with the lack of entries for this showpiece contest.

'But Dylan Thomas has the best Group One form in the book and his odds are likely to shorten further in the coming days.'

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Coral bet: 11-10 Dylan Thomas, 4-1 Scorpion, 5-1 Maraahel, 6-1 Youmzain, 12-1 Laverock, Prince Flori, 20-1 Yellowstone, 25-1 Sergeant Cecil.

(C) PA Sport