The King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes was first run in 1951. It was a race designed for the finest horses from different generations and different countries to compete over one and a half miles. The winner would be reconized as a true champion. My blog in July 2007 itemised past winners of the race and like last year, the race this year has lost some of its appeal as there are no visitors from overseas and no three year olds running. This years race looks as though it is between Duke of Marmalade (pictured) and Youmzain. If the field remains at eight runners then there might be some each way value come tomorrow. Lucarno won well at Newmarket having received a brillant ride from Jimmy Fortune. Papul Bull should have finished closer to him but is now 5lb worse off at the weights. In last years St Leger Stakes which Lucarno won, Macarthur finished sixth but was only just over a lengh behind and would have gone close to winning had he not have been short of room for much of the final 2 furlongs. He very nearly caused an upset in the Coronation Cup over one and a half miles at Epsom at the beginning of June when taking up the running five furlongs out. He was eventually caught by his stable companion Soldier of Fortune and then Youmzain. He won the Hardwicke Stakes over course and distance at Royal Ascot later that month and could be the each way value provided there is a full field. Although he has not run over the distance before Duke of Marmalade is expected to win again. For all the runners and riders with jockey’s colours click on sporting life.