Glorious Goodwood (15.45): King Of Rooks to reign in Molecomb Stakes
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King Of Rooks wasn’t seen to best effect last time out, but had previously looked a top notch prospect, and can confirm that view by landing the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes over the flying 5f at Goodwood (15.45).
The Richard Hannon trained colt shaped with bags of promise on his debut at Ascot when third to Steady Pace, travelling like much the best horse for most of the contest until being outpaced by the winner inside the final furlong.
King Of Rooks then showed the benefit of that experience when bolting up next time out by six lengths over 6f at Newbury.
The son of Acclamation showed bags of speed to race at the head of affairs, before easing clear inside the last furlong to win with any amount in hand.
King Of Rooks was then pitched into Listed company and destroyed a good field of juveniles in the National Stakes at Sandown over 5f.
After being very quickly away, King Of Rooks made all an quickened right away in the final furlong to beat Buratino by five lengths.
The runner-up has gone on to score twice since to give the form a rock solid look and, although King Of Rooks could finish only third when sent off the 11/8 favourite for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot last month, his chances were ruined by jockey Frankie Dettori getting involved in a speed duel for the lead.
In the circumstances King Of Rooks did well to get beat just one length, and if ridden more conventionally this looks a good chance for him to return to winning ways.
Irish raider Washington DC is improving with each outing and looks the main threat to King Of Rooks.
The Aidan O’Brien trained colt posted a career-best performance when landing the Listed 27-runner Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot when last seen in action, showing bags of early pace to chase the leaders until take up the running a furlong from home to hold on by a head.
Judge on that effort this venue should suit the son of Zoffany, and Washinton DC has every chance of providing O’Brien with his first winner of this contest if taking another step forward.
Coral’s best bet: Back King of Rooks to keep his opponent in check.
