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| Sumita Pawar |
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Desert Crown, last year's Derby hero, took a significant step towards securing a spot in the Qipco-sponsored King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes next Saturday. He pleased his connections during his workout with Ryan Moore on Wednesday morning.
After his victory at Epsom last June, Desert Crown had only one race at the Sandown Brigadier Gerard Stakes in May, where he was defeated by Hukum on his seasonal reappearance.
Setback Sidelines Rising Star: Unexpected Blow
Saeed Suhail's horse, a son of Nathaniel, had impressive gallops before the Prince of Wales's Stakes, but was unable to participate due to a minor setback, as stated by trainer Sir Michael Stoute.
"Ryan Moore rode him in work this morning and he worked very nicely," racing manager Bruce Raymond told the Racing Post. "Everybody was very happy with the work. This time last week I wouldn't personally have thought he would make the King George, but now he could. There's no decision and it will be Michael who decides, but there's a chance."
Raymond added, "Poet's Word won the King George for Saeed as an older horse and I'm hoping Desert Crown is a better horse than him. It seems a long time since he was in good form and he definitely needed the race at Sandown."