King Of Steel could be 'even better' at new trip in Irish Champion Stakes
Roger Varian is eager to see if King Of Steel proves to be an even bigger hit at ten furlongs in the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes.
The robustly-made colt drops down to the distance for his first run outside of Britain at Leopardstown.
Best of the Classic generation in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, King Of Steel also obtained a Derby podium place at huge odds.
Varian believes the reduction in yardage from a mile and a half will benefit the 15-8 favourite for Saturday's big race.
"King Of Steel has always been a strong traveller and we think the new distance could improve him," the in-form Newmarket handler said.
Woman was 'adamant' she would win top lottery prize - then pockets $200,000
"He has an excellent temperament, so we expect him to be absolutely fine with the travelling."
Auguste Rodin, unplaced in his last meeting with King Of Steel at Ascot, held the weekend rival off when they tussled for Epsom's colts' Classic.
Varian feels a six-week build up, the period which saw his horse's King Edward VII Stakes form boosted by St Leger hope Continuous, has been ideal.
"The King George was an attritional race, he knew he had been in a battle," Varian added.
"He has had time freshen up and has trained lovely over the last few weeks – for a big horse he's very agile and light on his feet."
Frankie Dettori has been booked to ride last year's runner-up Onesto, while Alflaila will be supplemented with the aim of maintaining the tremendous run of Shadwell Stud-owned horses at Group One level.
"We have kept him back to run in Ireland, he has improved for each race so it will be interesting," their spokesman Angus Gold said.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
