Goodwood will provide a “different” examination of Field Of Gold in the view of John Gosden, but he believes Flat racing’s rising star has all the attributes needed to cope with his next assignment in the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes.
Field Of Gold is a top-price 1-2 with William Hill and bet365 to win his first clash with the older generation at Goodwood next Wednesday, against opposition which could include Rosallion and Queen Anne winner Docklands.
Juddmonte’s grey colt has taken significant strides forward since finishing second to Ruling Court in the 2,000 Guineas when running on from off the pace, comfortably dispatching his rivals in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh and in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Both of those dominant performances came under Colin Keane, the multiple Irish champion jockey who will be unable to ride at Goodwood due to serving a suspension for overuse of the whip.
Gosden, who trains with son Thady, gave a broad hint last week that William Buick is in line for the ride in the Sussex and is delighted with the son of Kingman’s progress, although he stresses Goodwood will provide a new test.
Gosden said: “He’s been a grand horse to train; he’s done nothing but thrive this year. We’ve been pleased with his progress all the way through.
John Gosden: Goodwood will provide a different examination of Field Of GoldCredit: Edward Whitaker
“The Sussex is a different test of a horse. If you’ve ever walked the track, it’s quite a surprise, it runs down into a dip, swings up and around.
“You don’t want too big a field and get a high draw because you are literally down the hill looking at the horses getting the shortest run round up the hill, so the draw is a big factor there if you get a large field.
“The horse is athletic, he’s got great balance, and hopefully he’ll handle the track well. It’s very different to the round mile of Ascot or the Curragh, that’s for sure.”
The Sussex field will be whittled down on Thursday, with Aidan O’Brien indicating on Sunday that he may rely primarily on Henri Matisse in the mile Group 1.
Gosden won the Sussex with Kingman in 2014 and Too Darn Hot five years later, and added: “He’s in great order, and we’re looking forward to running him. It’s very much the obvious race to go to for him. He does have that great turn of foot, and let’s hope we get a clear run, and he can produce it on the day.”
Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes (Goodwood, July 30)
Bet365: 1-2 Field Of Gold, 4 Rosallion, 5 Henri Matisse, 10 Delacroix, 14 Docklands, 20 bar.
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