2010 KING GEORGE VI AT ASCOT TIPS AND BETTING SELECTIONS

 
We've gradually seen this field evaporate over the past week or so and it looks like we're down to a mere seven runners to contest this widely-anticipated Group 1 fixture over the grassy Ascot surface tomorrow. 

It is more than apparent that Sir Michael Stoute's yard is the 800 pound gorilla in the room here as they are lining up nearly half the field for this one. Three of his horses, including the top two contenders, are set to battle it out in a race that really lacks any sort of front-running pace. 
I think that's the biggest variable for me, as I think the absence of a proven early speed horse will force many of these contenders out of their comfort zones. There is a lot of stalkers and late closers here and this one might be decided by the more versatile runner as opposed to the outright quickest. This is the type of race where the jocks really earn their money. 
Workforce (King's Best) is the favourite and has drifted back to evens having been listed across the board at 4/5 with virtually all major bookmakers up until yesterday. This lightly-raced bay took the Group 1 Epsom Derby in a commanding performance and just stays on so well it really has to be seen to be believed. He has proven his acumen over 1m4f and is a more than justifiable favourite. 
Four year-old Harbinger (Dansili) boasts a victory over the Ascot surface at the 1m4f distance when he captured the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes. He was on a pair of Group 3 victories already and is undefeated in 2010. This is the first step up to Group 1 level for Harbinger and he'll need to dig deep if he wants to outstay Workforce. I think the biggest mistake Harbinger can make would be to get up to the front too early. Olivier Peslier will want to keep his eyes on Ryan Moore and Workforce for as long as possible. 5/2 is a bit short for me, but he will likely be a factor on your exotic tickets. 
Cape Blanco (Galileo) has the distinction of handing Workforce his only career loss when he bested him in their opening race of the year- the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York. He stayed on well that day, but it was clear Workforce was not firing on all cylinders. He does come in with all kinds of form having just scored his first Group 1 race when taking the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at the Curragh about a month ago and that was over another grassy 1m4f. AP O'Brien definitely boasts the best spoiler here and I'll be tucking Cape Blanco in under Workforce in my forecast selection.