- Epsom Derby one-two to square off for a second time 
- Recommends bets: 
- Selection: King Of Steel to win
- Alternative: Luxembourg each-way

Ascot takes centre stage on Saturday for one of the all-aged summer highlights via the Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, as the Classic generation clashes with their elders over the mile-and-a-half distance for the first time at this level.

In recent times this top-level contest has struggled to attract numbers but this year the 11-runner renewal looks a vintage one on paper.

The first and second from the Epsom Derby — Auguste Rodin and King Of Steel — will renew their rivalry, while older performers like Pyledriver — the defending champion — Emily Upjohn and Hukum bring depth and quality to a race that also boasts the likes of Luxembourg and Westover.

A cracking Ascot showpiece beckons and our racing expert has a couple of contenders to consider in a race where LiveScore Bet are paying each-way terms on the first FOUR.

King can be crowned at Ascot

Auguste Rodin looked in a spot of trouble last month at Epsom when KING OF STEEL surged clear in the Derby. To his credit, he picked up strongly and went by the eventual runner-up in good style, the pair some way clear of everything else.

Aidan O'Brien has watched his Deep Impact colt go on to win the Irish Derby at the Curragh since, but that effort failed to convince plenty of  onlookers, given he was 4/11fav and his stablemate in second gave him a mighty scare.

It might be that he is much better than that, but the Roger Varian-trained Epsom second is a worthy adversary once more.

The Derby was only the third run in the career of this Wootton Bassett colt and his first start since last October. Kevin Stott let him go clear with a quarter-of-a-mile to run at Epsom and, while he did not wilt, it allowed Auguste Rodin a target to come at.

King Of Steel has since gone a place better at Royal Ascot, albeit in Group 2 company, and he did so with lots to spare. After only four starts, he has lots of untapped potential and if things play out slightly differently in a tactical sense for him now, this fast-improving 3YO can reverse the Derby placings.

Back King Of Steel to win at 4/1 with LiveScore Bet

Contenders lining up for shot at 3YO talents

Both colts are, of course, due enormous respect in receipt of a chunk of weight from their elders here.

Those elders are high-class, however, and this looks to be as good a renewal of this race as we will have seen in many a year.

Hukum and Hamish are reliable sorts, with the former a big player for Owen Burrows, while Pyledriver won this 12 months ago and the Ascot specialist recorded his third C&D win in the Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal Meeting five weeks ago as a perfect tune-up for this.

Deauville Legend was well behind him that day, while Point Lonsdale is another with something to prove after finishing well off Emily Upjohn in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.

The John & Thady Gosden-trained filly lost little caste in defeat since behind Paddington in the Eclipse at Sandown. Returning to this distance will be no trouble for her but, again, she has to give 7lb to the smart 3YO opposition.

Westover was behind her at Epsom, perhaps ridden with more restraint than was ideal, but the filly was superior late on and on that evidence it is hard to see the placings getting reversed now.

Luxembourg might have more to give

Like Auguste Rodin, LUXEMBOURG is another colt that trainer Aidan O'Brien has always thought very highly of.

He also failed to win the 2000 Guineas in 2022, but then missed the English and Irish Derby before a good autumn campaign that included winning the Irish Champion Stakes in determined fashion.

His first attempt at this trip was in the Arc and he was a moderate seventh at Longchamp.

His Curragh comeback this spring was underwhelming, but he then produced a top-quality effort in the Tattersalls Gold Cup over 1m2½f before chasing home Mostahdaf in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. The winner was very impressive on that day.

This son of Camelot is worth another try at the trip and, with FOUR places each-way, is some value against the principles given that he, too, is a high-calibre performer from the Ballydoyle conveyor belt of talent and could now be maturing enough to really see this out.

Back Luxembourg each-way at 12/1 with LiveScore Bet