Pilsudski likely to run in Ascot feature

PILSUDSKI'S name is almost certain to remain on the star-studded cast list for the £500,000-added King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at

Ascot on Saturday. Trainer Michael Stoute extinguished most doubts regarding the participation of the entire after checking the condition of the track yesterday morning.

He pronounced the ground suitable for Pilsudski though he warned that a final decision would be made as late as possible. Stoute was concerned that firm ground would count against the Breeders' Cup Turf hero. But he said: "The ground is in great shape. The going description is perfectly accurate. It's good, good to firm in places and they've done a really good job.

"If the ground is like it is today then he will definitely run on Saturday.

I'm keen to run him and he's in great shape.

"I ran him at Ascot last year on firm ground and that was the only time he ran badly so we will make a decision as late as possible. There's still 48 hours to go and my advice would be to back him with the "with a run proviso".

Stoute, who also runs Singspiel, admits he has great respect for the favourite Helissio. He said: "Singspiel will go on any ground and there are no doubts about him running. There's nothing much between my two and it would be good if they could finish close together."

The Ascot course has been watered for the last 10 days and clerk of the course Nick Cheyne will turn on the taps on the eve of the race if necessary.

Meanwhile, Barney Curley has been in fine form of late with Arif, Cohiba and

Magic Combination all scoring in recent weeks. The last named goes for a decent prize today in the £15,000added Furniture Village Brown Jack Handicap at

Ascot.

Formerly a decent stayer in this country, Magic Combination may have needed a while to acclimatise since joining Curley during the winter.