Olivier Peslier believes Harbinger (2/1 in Betfred’s ante-post betting) is ‘the best horse of the year’ and is optimistic about his chances in Saturday’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The four-year-old has won his last three races, including an impressive victory in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Ascot last month, with a 62 per cent strike rate in his career to date.

Frenchman Peslier has been given the ride in Saturday’s big race after champion jockey Ryan Moore decided to saddle Derby winner Workforce (3/1 to win the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe).

Peslier is more than happy with his charge, saying: “I rode him on Saturday morning and he is very well.

“He gave me a good feel and I think he’s my best ever chance of winning the race.”

The jockey has an excellent record at Ascot with recent big race victories on the likes of Goldikova, Equiano and Ouija Board, while trainer Sir Michael Stoute saddled the one-two-three in last year’s race.

As well as Harbinger and Workforce, Stoute also has Confront in the eight-horse field.

The five-year-old will go in search of a first win in 2010, with Richard Mullen on board.