Harry Charlton is excited for King's Gambit to compete in the Sky Bet York Stakes on Saturday, following his runner-up finish at Royal Ascot. The Saxon Warrior colt had a strong win in the London Gold Cup and recently finished second in the Hampton Court Stakes. Callum Shepherd will ride him for the first time as the usual jockey, William Buick, will be at Ascot.
Charlton stated that the horse is in great form and has prepared well for the race against older horses. He chose Shepherd for his recent success with other Group winners, highlighting the quality of the competition in the York Stakes, which he believes may be even tougher than the Eclipse.
King's Gambit is priced at 11-2, with Sir Michael Stoute’s Passenger favoured at 13-8. Defending champion Alflaila, trained by Owen Burrows, is at 5-2 after a promising return from injury. Burrows noted Alflaila's challenging first run of the season and expressed confidence in his readiness for the race.