CHESTER'S Derby winner Kris Kin is on course for the mid-season middle-distance Flat championship of Europe.
The King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot tomorrow is traditionally the race in which the cream of the season's three-year-olds takes on the older generation of top horses.
Only once in the last 10 years has the Derby winner gone on to victory at Ascot - Lammtarra in 1995 and Galileo in 2001. And that's despite the younger set having a weight advantage over their elders.
But there are high hopes that Kris Kin, winner of the Philip Leverhulme Dee Stakes on Ladies' Day at The Roodee's May Festival, will triumph.
Trainer Sir Michael Stoute and owner Saeed Suhail, whose investment of a £90,000 fee to enter his colt late for The Derby paid off handsomely, are confident conditions will be in their favour.
Kris Kin's connections decided against a tilt for the Irish Derby last month because they were concerned that the ground at The Curragh would be too firm.
Alamshar, the colt that won the Irish Derby after finishing third to Kris Kin on Epsom Downs, will be the favourite on Saturday.
Ascot Racecourse has been watering the ground, so the racing surface is expected to be in perfect condition.
Meanwhile, preparations continue at Chester for the race-course's annual family funday on Sunday, August 3. And Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse is gearing up to resume racing after its mid-year break on Friday, August 1.
Family fun day admission is £22 to the County Stand Concourse, £15 to Tattersalls & Paddock, £7 for the Dee Stand and £5 for the Open Course. First race time is scheduled for 2.20pm.
As well as via the website (www.chester-races.co.uk), badges can be bought on the racecourse's credit card hotline on 01244 304610, which is open between 9am and 4.45pm, Mondays to Fridays.
General e-mail inquiries to sales@chester-races.com.
The first race at Bangor-on-Dee is scheduled for 2.15pm. Admission to the Course Enclosure is £6, while the Paddock Enclosure is £12. Accompanied children enter free.
More information is available on the website www.BangorOn-DeeRaces.co.uk or contact the racecourse on 01978 780323.
