Past Clarehaven winners include Kingman, Raven’s Pass and Too Darn Hot.
Field of Gold Poised for Sky Bet Solario Stakes Glory at Sandown
In what promises to be a thrilling spectacle, Field of Gold, an emerging superstar in the world of horse racing, is set to headline this Saturday's Sky Bet Solario Stakes at Sandown. This promising colt, trained by the iconic father-and-son team John and Thady Gosden, will look to emulate his sire, Kingman, by clinching the coveted Group Three title, a race historically dominated by the Clarehaven stables.
Field of Gold’s journey so far has been nothing short of impressive. After finishing third behind Stonehenge Stakes winner New Century in his debut at Doncaster, the Juddmonte-owned colt, a son of Kingman who was purchased for a staggering €530,000 as a foal, quickly made amends. In his second appearance, he stormed to victory on the famed July Course at Newmarket, leaving his rivals in the dust under the expert guidance of jockey Kieran Shoemark. Now, with the Solario Stakes in sight, the Gosden team is eager to add another feather to their illustrious cap.
John Gosden, one of the most respected names in the sport, has a remarkable record in the Solario Stakes. Having previously trained winners such as Kingman, Raven’s Pass, and Too Darn Hot, Gosden’s Clarehaven stables have claimed six titles in the race, a joint record they currently share with the legendary Sir Henry Cecil. With Field of Gold set to enter the fray, the stable could surpass this milestone, making history with a seventh victory.
“Field of Gold is in great shape, and he will head for the Solario,” confirmed Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte. “John and Thady both feel he has done very well since he won his maiden, and while we did look at the Acomb Stakes, John felt the Solario was a better fit as we look toward some of the bigger races in the autumn.”
The Solario Stakes, a seven-furlong event, has long been a proving ground for future stars. If Field of Gold performs as expected, this race could serve as a stepping stone toward a glittering career, reminiscent of his sire’s exploits. The Gosdens are meticulous in their approach, and Mahon echoed their confidence in the colt’s potential. “We’re heading to Sandown with high hopes, and hopefully, he will run a great race that will set us up nicely for the autumn.”
However, Field of Gold is not the only exciting name in the 15-horse lineup. Aidan O’Brien, a trainer whose name is synonymous with success, has never won the Solario Stakes, but that could change on Saturday. His dual Tipperary winner and Tyros Stakes third-place finisher, Surpass, is among the challengers. Meanwhile, O’Brien’s son, Joseph, could also make an appearance with Midnight Strike, a talented runner owned by Teme Valley.
The competition will be fierce, with other notable entries including Richard Hannon’s trio, fresh off a triumphant Ebor Festival at York, and Charlie Hills’ Haydock winner Victory Sound. Angel Hunter, a part of Hannon’s powerful squad, could prove to be a formidable opponent, while Ralph Beckett’s Matauri Bay, who impressed on debut at Leicester, and Hugo Palmer’s Seagulls Eleven, a Superlative Stakes runner-up owned by a group of Brighton & Hove Albion players, could also make their mark.
Hugo Palmer is no stranger to Solario Stakes success, having saddled Aktabantay to victory in 2014. Ten years later, he is back with Seagulls Eleven, hoping to repeat history. The colt’s high-profile owners, led by Premier League footballer James Milner, will be eagerly watching to see if their young star can claim his first major title.
The Sky Bet Solario Stakes is not the only race to watch on Saturday. Also on the card is the Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes, a Group Three contest that boasts an equally talented field. David Menuisier’s Prix de Diane third-place finisher, Tamfana, will be in action, as will the Gosdens’ course-and-distance winner Spiritual. Royal Ascot heroine Doha, owned by Al Shaqab, will also be one to watch, adding even more excitement to what promises to be a sensational day of racing.
As the anticipation builds, all eyes are on Field of Gold. Will he follow in his sire’s footsteps and bring home a famous victory for the Gosden stable? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this weekend’s Sky Bet Solario Stakes is set to be a race for the ages.
