Kingman to Rule in Solario Stakes at Sandown

Jockey James Doyle must still be pinching himself after landing the dream job as retained rider for Prince Khaled Abdullah in the UK. He is now in line to ride leading St Leger hope Excess Knowledge and Royal Ascot winner Remote but, perhaps most exciting of all, the 2000 Guineas favourite Kingman.

John Gosden’s colt earned rave reviews when he strode clear to win at Newmarket on his debut by six lengths and he now tackles Group 3 company in the Solario Stakes at 2.40. Although he faces only three rivals, Godolphin’s Music Theory won his last race by nine lengths and stable companion Emirates Flyer is a useful performer.

At 3.15, Sir Michael Stoute’s promising filly Integral bids to make amends for a disappointing run at Goodwood when she lines up for the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes. She may not have lasted the mile and a quarter last time and will be fancied to repeat her earlier course and distance victory.

There are some smart fillies up against her including Chigun and Ladys First but the biggest threat could come from Godolphin’s unbeaten Zibelina. She completed a hat-trick when winning at this level at Deauville and may still be improving.

The big betting race of the day is the Betfred TV and Levy Board Handicap at 3.50 with Gosden’s Trade Commissioner heading the weights. He hinted at a return to form when second last time out but looks to have plenty on his plate here.

Sennockian Star continues to run well for Mark Johnston and was a fine second at York last week. The handicapper may finally have taken his measure and there are numerous other possibilities including stable companion Fennell Bay and Luca Cumani’s Gabrial The Great.

Doyle has double prospects later on the card when he partners the unbeaten Lilyfire for Roger Charlton in the Nursery at 4.25. She won a competitive maiden at Ascot in good style and may have been underestimated by the handicapper.

Selections: 2.05 Burning Thread, 2.40 Kingman (NAP), 3.15 Integral, 3.50 Gabrial The Great, 4.25 Lilyfire (nb), 5.00 Silver Dixie