King Of Comedy promises last laugh at Newmarket

– King Of Comedy went close in two top-class Group 1s this summer, so it is hard to look beyond him in the Shadwell Joel Stakes at Newmarket today.

John Gosden's colt has taken a giant step forward with each outing this season, culminating with a great effort to be fourth against some of the best horses in the world in the Juddmonte International

London

at York.

He faces nothing of the class of Japan and Crystal Ocean in today's Group 2 and should not be inconvenienced by the drop to 1600m - in fact it should suit him.

Gosden stepped him up in trip after he rattled home late in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, splitting Circus Maximus and Too Darn Hot.

That form now looks exceptional in the context of this race, with Circus Maximus winning the Moulin in France and nowretired stablemate Too Darn Hot claiming the Sussex Stakes before heading into retirement.

Straight after his York effort, where he ran too keen and looked a blatant non-stayer, Gosden mentioned the QEII on Champions Day - but, a bit like Stradivarius, he must be in such good heart his handler feels he will be better off having a run.

Gosden can also be on the mark with Promissory in the Princess Royal Muhaarar Stakes.

She will be having just her fourth career start in this Group 3 race, but has shown plenty of ability. –

Race 5: 1, 4, 6 and 7; Race 6: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 11; Race 7: 1, 4 and 14; Race 8: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9.

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