Field Of Gold Targets Sky Bet Solario Stakes Triumph at Sandown, aiming to build on an impressive Newmarket maiden victory and bolster John and Thady Gosden's impressive race record.
The impressive Newmarket maiden winner, Field Of Gold, stands out as an exciting contender among the 15 entrants for Saturday's Sky Bet Solario Stakes at Sandown.
He made his debut at Doncaster, finishing third behind Stonehenge Stakes winner New Century. On his second start, the Juddmonte-owned son of Kingman – who was purchased for EURO 530,000 as a foal – dazzled on the July course, galloping clear of his rivals under the guidance of Kieran Shoemark.
Under the guidance of trainers John and Thady Gosden, the promising young horse could aim to follow in his sire's footsteps by claiming victory in the Group Three event, further bolstering the Gosden team's impressive track record in the race.
John Gosden has achieved victories in the seven-furlong event not only with Kingman but also with notable horses such as Raven's Pass and Too Darn Hot. Clarehaven's latest triumph in the contest occurred in 2021, with Thady also listed on the training license, thanks to Reach For The Moon.
Clarehaven boasts a joint-record of six Solario Stakes winners, and Field Of Gold has the potential to elevate the Newmarket team ahead of the legendary Sir Henry Cecil by achieving a splendid seventh victory in Esher.
"Field Of Gold is in excellent condition and is set to compete in the Solario," stated Barry Mahon, the European racing manager for Juddmonte.
'John and Thady both believe he has made significant progress since his maiden victory. Although we considered the Acomb Stakes, John ultimately felt that this race would serve as a better preparation for the more competitive events in the autumn.'
'We're taking him to Sandown, and we hope he performs well, setting us up nicely for the autumn.'
Interestingly, Aidan O'Brien has yet to secure this prize and may be represented by dual Tipperary winner and Tyros Stakes third-place finisher, Surpass. His son, Joseph O'Brien, has entered Midnight Strike—one of two potential runners for owners Teme Valley, along with Charlie Hills' Haydock winner, Victory Sound.
Richard Hannon, buoyed by his recent success at the Ebor Festival in York, has three entries, including Angel Hunter. Joining them as part of the Everleigh handler's trio is the two-time winner Linwood.
Hugo Palmer guided Aktabantay to victory in this event in 2014. A decade later, he returns to Sandown with Seagulls Eleven, the runner-up in the Superlative Stakes. This promising contender is owned by a group of Brighton & Hove Albion players, led by James Milner.
Ralph Beckett's Matauri Bay might make a move up to stakes company after an impressive debut at Leicester. Similarly, George Boughey's effortless Newmarket victor Asuka and Andrew Balding's dominant Salisbury winner Royal Playwright could follow suit.
There are also 15 entries in the other Group Three event on the card, the Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes, featuring David Menuisier's Prix de Diane third-place finisher Tamfana, the Gosdens' course-and-distance winner Spiritual, and the Al Shaqab-owned Royal Ascot heroine Doha.
