Godolphin Not Expecting To Add To Ascot Tally

Godolphin admit Laverock has it to do if he is to bolster the tremendous record of Sheikh Mohammed's operation in Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

Along with the late Dick Hern, the Dubai-based outfit's trainer Saeed bin Suroor has the joint-best record of all time in the ultra-prestigious event, with five previous successes.

Lammtarra (1995), Swain (1997-98), Daylami (1999) and Doyen (2004) have all landed the spoils in the past, but despite this year's renewal being universally described as weak, Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford is keen not to talk up their probable representative.

A dual Group One winner when trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias in France last year, Laverock was a letdown in his early efforts in Dubai, although he showed more promise on his British return when dead-heating for second in the Princess of Wales's Stakes at the Newmarket July meeting.

'He's not a confirmed runner, but he's likely,' reported Crisford. 'He has alternative engagements overseas, but at the moment I would suggest he's likely.

'We'll make a decision in the next 48 hours, but if there was a bit of ease in the ground that will suit him.

'He seems to have done well since his last race at Newmarket, so he might just take his chance. He ran to his form, but he needs to be a lot better than that if he is to be competitive in the King George and he won't be ? that's him.

'He's a very solid, nice middle-distance prospect, but he more than likely lacks the brilliance that is required to win a King George. However, it should still be a nice race to let him take his chance.'

Laverock, a 12-1 chance with Coral and VC Bet, will have to face seven rivals, headed by likely short-priced favourite Dylan Thomas.

(C) PA Sport