Helissio heads King George betting at 13-8

Michael Stoute's travelling head lad, Jimmy Scott, believes the state of the ground at Ascot holds the key to which of the stable's runners - Pilsudski or Singspiel - will come out on top in next week's King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. However, it is the Arc winner, Helissio, who heads the betting on the race which opened yesterday.

"There were no excuses when Pilsudski beat Singspiel in the Breeders' Cup," Scott said. "And Pilsudski has improved since. But he is a big, gross horse, who likes to get his toe in, whereas Singspiel is better on fast ground.

"Helissio would have to be very difficult to beat in France, but it is a case of how he travels," Scott added.

King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Ascot, 26 July). Coral: 13-8 Helissio, 2-1 Singspiel, 100-30 Pilsudski, 10-1 Swain, 12-1 Shantou, Predappio, 16-1 Kingfisher Mill. Tote: 13-8 Helissio, 3-1 Singspiel, 7-2 Pilsudski, 12-1 Predappio, 14-1 Kingfisher Mill, 16-1 Swain, Shantou.