Francis-Henri Graffard’s Goliath is set to return to Ascot on Saturday to compete in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes.
The Adlerflug gelding made the journey from his home in France in June to participate in the Hardwicke Stakes during the Royal meeting, where he finished second to the Isle of Jura over the King George distance of a mile and a half.
Following a solid performance, Goliath will make another trip to England this weekend, stepping up to Group One level at the same course and distance.
Christophe Soumillon will take the reins, and Graffard is optimistic that a fast pace will develop in what promises to be a competitive race.
“He is in very good form, he came out of his race at Ascot in great shape,” said Graffard.
“We have freshened him up, he’s back to 100 percent, and he’s ready to go again. He’s running again on Saturday in the King George, Christophe Soumillon takes the ride. It would be nice if there was a little bit more pace, it seems to be a very strong renewal of the race, so we’ll see how he gets on.”
While Graffard narrowly missed out with Goliath at Royal Ascot, his stablemate Calandagan shone brightly, winning the King Edward VII Stakes by an impressive six lengths.
Calandagan may also be heading to England, as he has an entry for the Juddmonte International Stakes at York, although Deauville is also in the mix, with the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano as a potential target.