Trainer to continue Solario domination
IF past results mean anything, John Gosden has the answer for today’s 188Bet Solario Stakes.
He runs Too Darn Hot, who is already the second favourite for next year’s Investec Derby.
Gosden has a great record in the Group Three event. From five runners in the last 15 years, the Newmarket trainer has captured the prize on three occasions with some outstanding performers.
Kingman (2013), who went on to win the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Prix Jacques le Marois, Raven’s Pass (2007), the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, and Windsor Knot (2004), successful in the Group Three Darley Stakes.
But his son and assistant Thady warned: “Everyone might be getting a bit carried away as he’s only run once and the race he won was not the greatest maiden at Sandown.” It was not what he beat on that occasion but the manner of his victory which caught the public’s imagination.
“He was definitely pleasing us before he ran at Sandown,” added Gosden, representing his father at Sandown yesterday. “He should come on from that run but he’s a bit short in the betting.
“It’s a good field tomorrow with the likes of the Chesham Stakes winner (Arthur Kitt) running.”
Not only does Too Darn Hot have a glowing reputation but he could not have better breeding.
His sister Lah Ti Dar bolted home in the Galtres Stakes at York and could run in next month’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Gosden, successful in the Arc with Golden Horn (2017) and Enable last year, will give the latter her first outing since that spectacular victory in next Saturday’s September Stakes at Kempton.
The four-year-old has had her season cut short after injuring a knee before her expected return in the Coronation Cup at Epsom.
“All is now good with her,” said young Gosden. “She’s been working nicely at home up the Al Bahathri gallop at Newmarket.
“Of course, it’s a shame she has missed nearly the whole of season. It will be great to have her back.”
Gosden will be hoping Enable can bounce back to her best and attempt to win back-to-back Arcs.
Roaring Lion, the easy winner of last week’s Juddmonte International, has taken his race well, according to young Gosden but it has not been decided if he goes for the Irish Champion Stakes.