Field Of Gold entered for Saturday’s Sky Bet Solario

Field Of Gold, an impressive winner of a Newmarket maiden, is a standout among the 15 entries for Saturday’s Sky Bet Solario Stakes at Sandown.

After finishing third behind Stonehenge Stakes winner New Century on debut at Doncaster, the Juddmonte-owned son of Kingman – who was purchased for €530,000 as a foal – dazzled in his second outing at Newmarket. Under the guidance of Kieran Shoemark, he surged ahead of his rivals with ease.

Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Field Of Gold aims to follow in his sire’s footsteps by capturing the Group Three event, while also adding to the Gosden team’s impressive record in the race.

John Gosden has previously won the seven-furlong contest with Kingman, as well as Raven’s Pass and Too Darn Hot. The most recent Gosden victory came in 2021 with Reach For The Moon, when Thady was also involved in the training.

With Clarehaven having achieved a joint-record six Solario Stakes wins, Field Of Gold has the opportunity to surpass even the legendary Sir Henry Cecil if he secures a seventh victory for the Newmarket team.

Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, commented, “Field Of Gold is in excellent shape and will head to the Solario. John and Thady believe he has improved since his maiden win. Although we considered the Acomb, John felt the Solario would be a better stepping stone for the autumn races. We’re looking forward to Sandown and hope he performs well to keep us on track for the autumn.”

Remarkably, the Solario Stakes has eluded Aidan O’Brien, though he may be represented by dual Tipperary winner and Tyros Stakes third Surpass. His son, Joseph O’Brien, has entered Midnight Strike, one of two potential runners for owners Teme Valley, alongside Charlie Hills’ Haydock winner Victory Sound.

Richard Hannon has three entries, including Angel Hunter, fresh from an Ebor Festival victory at York, and two-time winner Linwood.

Hugo Palmer, who won this race with Aktabantay in 2014, returns with Seagulls Eleven. This Superlative Stakes runner-up is owned by a group of Brighton & Hove Albion players, including James Milner.

Ralph Beckett’s Matauri Bay could make a step-up to stakes company after catching the eye on its debut at Leicester. George Boughey’s easy Newmarket winner Asuka and Andrew Balding’s commanding Salisbury victor Royal Playwright are also among the entries.

In the other Group Three race on the card, the Sky Bet Atalanta Stakes, 15 horses will compete, including David Menuisier’s Prix de Diane third Tamfana, the Gosdens’ course-and-distance winner Spiritual, and the Al Shaqab-owned Royal Ascot heroine Doha.