Ascot’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes has a rich history of famous victors and Enable is expected to join the short list of dual winners this weekend.

Fantastic French mare Dahlia and Godolphin warrior Swain are the only previous two-time scorers in this prestigious contest, which has been landed by many other legends of the turf.

Nijinsky, Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, Shergar and Dancing Brave stand out on the illustrious list of King George winners.

With over £1.2million in prize money up for grabs this year, we’re taking a look at the main contenders for glory in the 2019 King George odds.

Enable

Trainer: John Gosden

Form figures: 111-1

A run of 10 consecutive victories includes two Classic wins, back-to-back Arc de Triomphe successes and an emphatic triumph in the 2017 renewal of this contest, so it is easy to see why she is so short in this year’s King George odds.

Wasn’t ready to defend her crown 12 months ago after an injury setback but all looks well this time around after a scintillating seasonal debut in the Eclipse at Sandown, when cosily accounting for a formidable, race-fit rival in Magical.

“At Sandown, I thought she ran a lovely race,” beamed handler Gosden. “She probably won with a little bit in hand and we’ve been pleased with her since then.

“She won it as a three-year-old filly getting the weight, but it is a little different when you are older and suddenly you have the Derby winner coming at you getting the weight, so this is no penalty kick.

“But I think she is the best mile-and-a-half filly I’ve trained. It’s pretty extraordinary what she has done. She has done everything.”

Crystal Ocean

Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute

Form figures: 22-111

Stoute’s five-year-old was just touched off by stablemate Poet’s Word after an epic battle 12 months ago and returns in fine spirits for another crack.

He is unbeaten in three starts this term and put up a career-best performance when beating Magical in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Was put in his place by Enable in a Kempton match last September but seems to have improved since then and will be a tough nut to crack.

Anthony Van Dyck

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien

Form figures: 39-112

Seeks to emulate his superstar sire Galileo by landing the Epsom Derby and this contest in the same season.

Failed to add another Classic triumph to his CV when a six-length second to stablemate Sovereign in the Irish equivalent, but O’Brien has not lost any faith in his colt.

The Ballydoyle maestro declared: “We are happy with Anthony since the Curragh and everything has gone well with him.

“We thought he ran very well. It was a good race and there were some very smart horses in there.”

Waldgeist

Trainer: Andre Fabre

Form figures: 455-13

Bids to become the first French-trained winner of the midsummer showpiece since Fabre sent over Hurricane Run to strike gold in 2006.

Finished four-and-a-half lengths behind Crystal Ocean at Royal Ascot last month, but connections are hopeful the longer trip and forecast firmer surface will be in his favour.

“I think going back to a mile and a half and the faster ground will help him,” said Fabre. “Will it be enough to win? Probably not, but I’m sure he is going to run a good race.”

Defoe

Trainer: Roger Varian

Form figures: 2-4211

Another five-year-old who seems to be getting better with age, similar to past scorers Mtoto, Opera House, Daylami and last year’s hero Poet’s Word.

Came with a wet sail to pick off Kew Gardens in the Coronation Cup at Epsom and always looked to be doing enough when landing the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Has already proven he can do the business at a decent price and is sure to be popular in each-way King George betting tips.

Cheval Grand

Trainer: Yasuo Tomomichi

Form figures: 2443-2

Attempts to become the first Japanese-trained winner of the race and certainly has some strong credentials if adapting to British conditions.

Has earned his connections more than £7million in prize money, thanks mainly to a 2017 Japan Cup victory, and proved he can travel well when second in the Dubai Sheema Classic at the end of March.

Trainer Tomomichi said: “Cheval Grand has not had many races for a seven-year-old and has a pedigree that says he will improve as he gets older. I don’t think his age is a problem.

“The King George has a long history and is very famous in the racing world. It would be one of the high points of my career to win this race.”

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