The most famous mare in training, Enable, will line up against three high-class Ballydoyle-trained horses; Japan, Sovereign and Anthony Van Dyck.
The horse dubbed “The Queen of Racing” was most recently seen finishing second in the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, but her connections all suggested both pre and post race that the horse will come forward dramatically for that reappearance pipe-opener.
Ireland’s chief hope appears to be Japan; a two-time Group 1 winner in his own right, including victory in last year’s Juddmonte International at York. Although he has finished behind Enable on the two occasions they’ve met; he only finished a head behind her earlier this month.
Aidan O’Brien’s next two contenders are both 2019 Derby winners, Anthony Van Dyck the Epsom Derby champion and Sovereign the Irish champion.
The John Gosden-trained filly has some top-class horses for company, but she’s been working hard at Newmarket to go one better than last time out and claim that historic third King George.
The Prince Khalid Abdullah-owned superstar is aiming to become the first horse to win the summer showpiece three times; she’s presently only level on two wins with Swain (1997, 1998) and Dahlia (193, 1974).
The records don’t stop there, though. Her rider Frankie Dettori could also equal the legendary Lester Piggott’s seven King George victories with a win on Saturday.