TimeformBlog

Timeform offer a runner-by-runner guide to the King George Stakes, a Group 2 sprint over five furlongs at Goodwood...


Ortensia improved again when winning Al Quoz Sprint (turf) in March. Performed below expectations in King's Stand and July Cup, but not one to write off at this slightly easier level.

Amour Propre is a 3-time winner at Group 3 level and chased home Masamah in this race last year. Disappointing both runs this term, however, and more to prove than most.

Confessional proved as good as ever when landing 5f handicap at Chester in May. Stepped up on that when third in a Group 3 in July, but well behind Hamish McGonagall at York last time and this tougher still.

Elusivity produced a career-best ¾-length third to subsequent July Cup winner Mayson in Palace House Stakes in May. Didn't need to match that when resuming winning ways last time, but this more competitive.

Hamish McGonagall is a smart performer who is getting better with age, responding with usual gusto when bagging a listed contest at York last month. Only a matter of time before he gains his first success at this level.

Humidor progressed well last year, highlight being listed success at Doncaster in September. Not at best this time round, failing to beat a rival on return from a break last month.

Masamah is a smart sprinter who dominated proceedings when beating Amour Propre in this race last year. Spark missing both outing this time round and opposable on repeat bid.

Noble Storm is a speedy performer who won 2 of his 4 starts in 2011, namely a handicap and a listed race. Not scaled the same heights heights this year and slightly out of his depth here.

Pabusar is far from consistent but had one of his better days when chasing home Hamish McGonagall in a 5f listed race at York last time. Capable of reaching a place if turning up in a similar mood.

Secret Asset has twice placed in Group 1 sprints, latest in Singapore in May, but well below that level with hood refitted in King's Stand in June and others boast more pressing claims.

Spirit Quartz has taken form to a new level for Robert Cowell, finishing in front of many of these in King's Stand at Royal Ascot, but only fourth in a Group 3 last time and may find a few too strong once more.

Stone of Folca was better than ever when landing Epsom 'Dash' on reappearance in June, but never involved when having sights raised in King's Stand at Royal Ascot and something to prove at this level.

Tangerine Trees was successful 3 times in 2011, improving again to land Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye in October. Usual zip back in evidence before fading in King's Stand in June and likely to be spot on this time.

Beyond Desire produced a career-best when making all to land second win of the year in 5f Group 3 at Longchamp in May. Below par when unable to dominate at this level last time and similar scenario probably in store.

Stepper Point was a winner of a listed sprint at Longchamp in 2011. Below par since finishing a place in front of Hamish McGonagall in Group 2 at Chantilly in June, but claims if blinkers rejuvenate him.

Angels Will Fall built on her free-going Windsor return when narrowly landing a 5f listed race at Ayr in June. Remains unexposed at this trip, but more required to get seriously competitive here.

Excellette got back to winning ways when fending off Spirit Quartz in a 5f listed race at Haydock in June. Just as good when third to Angels Will Fall at Ayr last time, but this demands even more.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Tangerine Trees
2. Hamish McGonagall
3. Ortensia

Timeform View: It is surely only a matter of time before the admirable Hamish McGonagall makes a breakthrough at pattern race level and this could well be the day. However, preference is for Tangerine Trees, who went with all his old zest before fading late on in the King's Stand and is likely to be cherry ripe now. Ortensia and Stepper Point complete the shortlist.



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