Wootton Bassett’s King Of Steel Dominates The King Edward VII

[Wandering Eyes]

He's as big as it gets among top-class thoroughbreds, but Amo Racing's King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Eldacar {GB}, by Verglas {Ire}) showed for the second time this month that he has grace in abundance as he stormed to glory in Friday's G2 King Edward VII S. Denied only by Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in a dramatic finale to the Derby, the imposing grey was at risk of coming back too quickly but Roger Varian is too skilled to make that mistake and confidence was high as he traded as the 11-10 favourite. Anchored in last by Kevin Stott even though the early pace was moderate, he arrived wide in early straight before seizing control two out. Despite lugging right to the rail, he powered to a 3 1/2-length verdict over Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) with the Derby also-ran Artistic Star (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) another 2 1/2 lengths behind in third.

“He's got such a great constitution and we went on the signs he was giving us, which were great,” Varian said. “He's a super horse and it is very satisfying that he confirmed today what he did in the Derby. We'd like to go to the [G1] Grand Prix de Paris, but we'll see how he is after this.” Stott, who was enjoying his breakthrough moment, added, “They didn't go fast and he was a bit keen–I couldn't get him to drop it until halfway and so I was a little bit nervous but in a matter of strides he was in front and then was just lengthening. He could easily go back to ten–he has plenty of speed and is so quick on his feet for a big horse.”

 

He's very smart! Derby second King Of Steel wins the King Edward VII in great style for Kevin Stott, @varianstable and @amoracingltd… #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/4sfOTdZ5qa

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 23, 2023

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