Soumillon to ride Hurricane Run in King George

Andre Fabre has named Christophe Soumillon to replace Kieren Fallon aboard even-money favorite Hurricane Run in Saturday's King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot.

Fallon, who has been charged in an alleged race-fixing scheme, could retain the ride aboard Hurricane Run if a British court on Thursday reverses the Horseracing Regulatory Authority's ruling that bars him from riding in Britain. It is more likely, however, that Soumillon will ride Hurricane Run in the King George VI, in which he will meet Heart's Cry and Electrocutionist.

Soumillon was aboard for Hurricane Run's first four races before being replaced by Fallon after an ill-judged ride in the French Derby last June, when Hurricane Run lost to Shamardal by a neck.

Only one 3-year-old remained in the 1 1/2-mile King George at the five-day entry stage: Soapy Danger, winner of the Queen's Vase and Princess of Wales's Stakes, whose connections have said is "not a definite runner."

In an interview with the Japan Association for International Racing website, Heart's Cry's owner and breeder, Teruya Yoshida, said Heart's Cry is "ready to go" despite a four-month layoff. Electrocutionist, the Dubai World Cup winner, is reported by his Godolphin ownership to be in fine fettle after working well during the past week.