The G1 Prince of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot has been put forward as the main objective for King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) by his trainer Roger Varian.
Last year's G1 Champion S. hero thrived at the Berkshire venue during his three-year-old campaign, with both of his victories coming at the track.
He followed up his brave second to Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the Derby by winning the G2 King Edward VII S. at the royal meeting and, although having to settle for third in the King George in July, he recorded an emotional triumph under Frankie Dettori on British Champions Day.
The Amo Racing-owned colt finished his campaign with a fifth-placed effort in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita and, after a well-earned winter break, is back at Carlburg Stables tuning up for the season ahead.
Varian said, “He's in great form and has wintered very well. He looks a picture and we're very happy with him. He looks stronger and he's entitled to be–he's a big horse with low mileage so he's entitled to be getting stronger. It looks that way and hopefully with strength comes some improvement, so we will see.”
He added, “We will be very much looking at the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot with one run before, either in Ireland or here. That will be his primary target for the first half of the season.
“We wouldn't be looking to get him started before May and I guess closer to the time we will make a decision between going to Ireland for the Tattersalls Gold Cup or staying closer to home and going for the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown.
“The Prince of Wales's Stakes is the obvious early season race for him, he's been successful twice at the track and the only time he wasn't he was a fine third in the King George.”
Varian also provided an update on star stayer Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is set to reappear in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan next week.
The trainer said, “He's scheduled to ship on Saturday and has done all his work now. He's training well and looks a picture and we're looking forward to getting his season started out there.
“James Doyle will ride him and a lot of our horses this year when available and when it works out for us and for him. He will be riding Eldar at Meydan and we're looking forward to that.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
