TEMPLEGATE takes on the King George Qatar Stakes looking to find the winner.
Read on for our man's complete runner-by-runner guide and back a horse by clicking their odds.
You'll find his all-important tip at the bottom of the page.
Templegate's King George Qatar Stakes runner-by-runner guide
LAZULI 3
LAZ a chance. Wasn’t disgraced in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot last time on his UK comeback from four months off. He did well in Dubai this winter with a Group 2 win and he seems best over this trip. Improvement is needed for this grade but he could run into the places.
ACKLAM EXPRESS 3
EXPRESS delivery. Third in the King’s Stand last time but almost five lengths off the winner after a disappointing effort at Chester on his UK return. He hasn’t won for two years but, on the plus side, he scored over course and distance at this meeting in 2020 albeit at a much lower level. Another with place claims.
CLARENDON HOUSE 2
EMPTY House. Solid handicapper who went down in a close finish over course and distance earlier this season. He has been held a couple of times in Group 3 and Listed contests since then and was well off the pace at Chantilly last time. Needs to take a major step forward in this company.
EQUILATERAL 3
LAT the double. Did well in Dubai this winter with a Group 2 before a solid effort at the highest level. Hasn’t matched that back in the UK with a fair fifth in the King’s Stand before twice running a little below par including at The Curragh last time. His best form gives him a chance of running into the places.
EXISTENT 2
EXI exit. Was out the back in the King’s Stand on his first crack at this level and ran to a similar standard when fourth behind Raasel at Sandown last time out. Last two wins have come on the all-weather and his form shouldn’t stand up at this level.
KHAADEM 3
KHAAD sharp. Won the Stewards’ Cup here back in 2019 and did well to take a Newmarket Group 3 from the front on his UK return in April. We haven’t seen him since then, which has to be a slight concern, but he has plenty of pace and the booking of Ryan Moore takes the eye. No surprise to see him on the podium.
PONNTOS 2
PONN gone. Comes over from the Czech Republic and has attracted Frankie Dettori in the saddle. His form doesn’t look quite up to this level but he was a decent Group 3 winner at Longchamp in May before coming up way short in the King’s Stand at Royal. He could improve for that now the Italian is in the saddle but this looks a tall order.
RAASEL 5
ON the Raas. He’s gone from a decent handicapper to a top-class performer in just a few months. He landed a nice handicap over course and distance earlier this season before moving up to Listed level for a good Haydock success. His form went up another notch when scooting in at Sandown last time and his liking for the track makes him a major player here.
CATURRA 1
CAT napped. Landed a Group 2 at Donny as a two-year-old last season but hasn’t gone on this term and struggled in Listed company at York latest. Needs a lot more against these.
MITBAAHY 4
MIT in mix. Is another one rising through the ranks and was a good Listed win at Sandown last month before matching that form when second to Raasel there latest. He was more than a little unlucky there and didn’t get a run up the rail until the winner had flown. There was only a neck between them at the line and it could be a similar story again.
VERTIGINOUS 1
VERTI-Go. Good Listed winner at Ayr in September before a solid effort at the Breeders’ Cup in November. She looked very rusty in comeback at Haydock in May when well beaten and it’s a worry that we haven’t seen her since.
Templegate's tip
RAASEL can continue his amazing rise through the ranks to win the King George.
He has improved with every run over the past 18 months and showed good pace when winning at Sandown last time. Michael Appleby’s flyer is proven over this course and distance which is another plus.
Mitbaahy was just behind him at Sandown where he didn’t get the clearest of runs. He’s a fast-improving three-year-old who looks a big threat again.
Lazuli was entitled to need the run in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot after a break and he has decent form in Dubai. He has place claims along with course winner Acklam Express and Khaadem.
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