"We'd love to win" - Beckett aiming Bluestocking at King George

Ralph Beckett is hopeful of a big run from Bluestocking in Saturday's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, should the ground at Ascot come up in her favour.

Having hit the crossbar in several big races last term, Bluestocking has been flawless so far in 2024. Ralph Beckett's filly opened her four-year-old campaign with a runaway victory in the Middleton Stakes, before claiming her first Group One victory in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh.

Bluestocking will enter Saturday's main event at Ascot as one of the main challengers to favourite Auguste Rodin, who finished last in the 2023 King George. Beckett spoke to the press on Tuesday and revealed that the King George is Bluestocking's number one target. 

"I think the trip all comes alike to her." Beckett told the press. "She's proven over a mile and a half and you could make a case for her winning the Fillies & Mares Stakes if it had been run on the outer track at Ascot."

"It didn't work for us two years ago with Westover, who started a short-priced favourite, and hopefully we can go and redress the balance. It's not going to be easy but it's about what is right for the horse."

Beckett, however, did add a caveat to that optimistic bulleting, stating that Bluestocking would only be confirmed if the ground at Ascot wasn't on the firm side of good.

Beckett continued, "Conditions and suitability are more important. If it's rattling ground that's a no but if it's slower than that, we'd like to run."

"She worked well on Saturday on the grass over five furlongs and we were pleased with her. We'd love to win but, if we think it's the right place for the horse, winning will fit with that rather than the other way around."

Bluestocking is currently best priced at 5/1 for Saturday's feature at Ascot, for which Auguste Rodin is the 5/4 favourite. The full betting for the 2024 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes can be found here on our website.