George Tops QEII Contenders

George Washington heads a 15-strong list of possibles for Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot.

A stellar line-up is on the cards for the mile feature, with last year's winner again set to clash with his Prix du Moulin conqueror Darjina, who has been supplemented as expected.

Godolphin's Ramonti could also renew rivalry with the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained filly, who counts the French 1000 Guineas and Prix d'Astarte among her other big-race victories.

George Washington could be joined by stablemates Astronomer Royal, winner of the French 2000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes victor Excellent Art, Duke Of Marmalade and Archipenko.

Godolphin also have Caradak and Blue Ksar, while owners Cheveley Park Stud could be double-handed with the James Fanshawe-trained Cesare and John Gosden's Nannina.

Dunelight, Jeremy, Stormy River and Vital Equine complete the contenders.

The Eoghan O'Neill-trained Vital Equine took silver behind Cockney Rebel in the 2000 Guineas, but has not been seen since finishing sixth in the Irish equivalent in May.

Purposefully given a break by connections, the Danetime colt is now ready to flex his muscles again and will head to Ascot at the weekend ? providing underfoot conditions are not riding too fast.

'His preparation has been nice and smooth and we've had no hold-ups with him,' explained O'Neill.

'He'll do his last bit of work in the morning and then we'll see how the ground is for Saturday. The plan is to run there.

'We made a plan earlier in the year and have stuck by it. He ran a great race in the Guineas and it was just too quick for him at the Curragh.

'He just doesn't pick up on firmer ground as he hits it pretty hard. If we can get the ground we want on Saturday it will be a big help to him.'

O'Neill admits Vital Equine will face a stern examination if lining up at the weekend, but his progress at home has given the team cause for optimism.

'Let's hope he's good enough. We're taking on older horses for the first time and it's a big ask,' he told At The Races.

'But one thing that has happened over the summer on his break is that he has got very strong.

'He's filled out a great deal and it'll be very exciting to take on the big boys. I hope he can give a good account of himself.'

(C) PA Sport