Astrology: Derby third will face five rivals in the King Edward VII Stakes

PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos) , BY JAMES PUGH 8:38 AM 22 JUN 2012

ASTROLOGY will bid to enhance the form of the Investec Derby when he takes on five rivals, including Epsom fourth Thought Worthy, in the King Edward VII Stakes (3.05) on Friday.

Astrology finished third, five lengths behind his Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate Camelot, at Epsom after attempting to make all under Ryan Moore and he is no bigger than 11-8 with William Hill to go one better at Royal Ascot.

O’Brien said: “We haven’t done much with him since the Derby but he seems to have come out of Epsom well.

“Ideally, he’d appreciate good ground but he did show when winning the Dee Stakes that he handles soft.”

Thought Worthy, who shaped promisingly in the Derby, will be ridden by Frankie Dettori after regular jockey William Buick opted to ride stablemate Shantaram for trainer John Gosden.

Moore, who will partner Astrology for the second time on Friday, will bid to add to his tally of two winners at Royal Ascot and he has five rides in total on the six-race card.

The jockey is 5-6 with William Hill to finish top jockey at Royal Ascot for the third year running.

Estimate, who is owned by the Queen, will be Moore’s final ride before he dashes off to Newmarket for a further five rides.

The Sir Michael Stoute-trained filly has been well supported for the Queen’s Vase (5.00) and is now vying for favouritism with Athens at 4-1.

Racingpost