THE King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes have always been the high point of the British racing year as the classic generation takes on the older horses. But as we have gone into the 21st century, connections of the best horses in training – especially Derby winners – have swerved this all-age test. They have instead tried a drop back to 10 furlongs to enhance breeding value, or waited until a belated autumn campaign to take in France’s prestigious Arc as their main aim.

So, with that said, it is nice to see the authoritative Epsom hero Adayar take his place in the line-up for the group-one event this afternoon (3.35).

Although I tipped the Godolphin charge for Epsom this year, I am hesitant in going all in again here because of the prevailing good-to-firm ground. OK, he has run well on it before, but the Derby success came on a dead surface — being a heavier-topped horse he seemed to relish that turf in June.