Horses, of course, have more sense than to bet on people. But how much do they know about what is going on? Watching the contenders parading before the Betfair-sponsored King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the richest race in the UK calendar, you could not miss the frothy sweat already streaming down the flanks of the Aidan O’Brien-trained Rockhampton. Had somebody already told him it was going to be his task to act as the hare out in front, making the pace for O’Brien’s other two stars, Frozen Fire and Golden Sword?
Rockhampton did his job, but it proved not to be to the benefit of Team O’Brien, who have swept up so many Ascot prizes in recent years. Instead he set things up perfectly for Sir Michael Stoute’s Conduit, the St Leger and Breeders’ Cup victor who is at his best when coming from off the pace in a strongly run race.
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