Odds On Thomas To Take On Seven

Dylan Thomas will face a maximum of seven rivals, including two stablemates, in this weekends King George & Queen Elizabeth stakes at Ascot. Aidan O'Brien's Irish Derby winner was trimmed to a shade of odds on for the first time, on Monday afternoon by William Hill, having been 7-2 just 10 days ago with the same firm. William Hills also adjusted Scorpion's price and the former St Leger winner is now their 7-2 second favourite having started the day at 8-1.

William Hill spokesman Ben Clarke added: "With Authorized and Soldier Of Fortune both confirmed non runners we are going to be denied the mouth-watering clash between two of the best three year olds in training and some of the more talented older horses but we are still left with something of a teaser that sees the Hardwicke first and second take each other on again. Scorpion was all the rage in the betting on that occasion but Maraahel is a game performer when infront and it will be interesting to see if punters looking to oppose the short priced favourite opt for Sir Michael Stoute's charge over the former St Leger winner."