Cumani won't rule Falbrav out of race

Luca Cumani could add another dimension to a compelling King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes later this week by adding Falbrav to a stellar cast for the Ascot showpiece.

The Newmarket handler, who vaulted back into racing's Premier League when the fiveyearold battled home three quarters of a length ahead of Nayef in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown two weeks ago, had hinted that the Juddmonte International Stakes might be his next target.

The York contest is still on the agenda for next month, but Falbrav impressed under his Eclipse partner Darryll Holland in a workout at Newmarket on Saturday and could yet line up for a King George that is already due to feature at least four Derby winners plus a clutch of other stars.

Cumani said: "I would advise punters not to step in just yet because I don't think that Falbrav's price will change much if he does run, but Ascot has always been an option and the horse is very well.

"The ground is a big consideration as, although he doesn't want it like a road, a fast surface does suit him well. The composition of the field and the number of pacemakers in the line-up are other important factors, so we will keep an eye on things and make a firm decision later in the week." Saturday's £750,000 contest is shaping up into the race of the season after a weekend when several other leading contenders were put through their paces on the gallops.

Ebullient Frankie Dettori, fresh from a Sunday spent in his beloved Ferrari colours cheering Rubens Barrichello home in the British Grand Prix, welcomed the news that Ascot began watering today and is hoping for further showers to help last year's French Derby winner Sulamani return to his best.