King Edward VII Stakes
Group 2, Ascot 15:45 £200,650 added, 3yo only, 1m 4f, Class 1
Friday 20th June 2014

1 Eagle Top 12/1
2 Adelaide 6/5 F
3 Scotland 25/1
NR: Western Hymn
9 ran Distances: 3¼l, 2¼l, ½l
TIME 2m 27.98s (fast by 0.92s)

The John Gosden show rolls on as Eagle Top wins the King Edward VII Stakes.

"We've had so much belief in this horse.....he has all the attributes of a top, top horse" says William Buick.

Eagle Top
© Racehorse Photos

Eagle Top ran out a commanding winner of the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot this afternoon, travelling all over his rivals until a furlong out when he pulled away smoothly to record a three and a quarter length success.

The 12/1 shot was given a confident ride by jockey William Buick, who had to take a pull two furlongs from home as his mount was travelling so strongly. When he asked the three-year-old for his effort, he quickened effortlessly to put distance between himself and the rest of the field.

Trainer John Gosden was in great form following the race and feels that a mile and a half will prove to be Top Eagle's optimum distance.

"William has given him a great ride and I especially liked it when he had to take a pull down the home straight as that's when you know you've got a nice horse." explained Gosden.

"He was just a bit backward at two and a run was always going to come too quickly for him. I'm glad I took my time as he broke his maiden nicely but then we had that dreadful day when he was beaten in a handicap at Leicester.

"That clearly wasn't his running though and when we got him back, his blood was all wrong. We've taken our time with him, nursed him back and this race was always in the back of our mind.

"He's got a lot of speed and I think a mile and a half would be his trip. I love the St Leger but there's no way this one is a Leger horse - he's too quick. It would be unfair to stretch him over that sort of trip. I'd imagine he'd go well in soft ground too.

"It's great that we've had a patient owner/breeder (Lady Bamford) as well. I always think that a victory here is more special when you've also bred the horse. So much can go wrong in the breeding game and it is that which makes these moments more amazing."

Lady Bamford was also visibly delighted after the race.

"I feel weak at the knees! It was a beautiful ride, a beautiful trainer and a trainer in form. He was a very under-exposed horse but, my goodness, he showed his form today."

Adelaide
© Caroline Norris

The well-backed Adelaide was sent off 6/5 favourite but had to settle for second when finishing three and a quarter lengths behind Eagle Top.

"I'm delighted with his run and the winner is obviously improving," said Adelaide's trainer Aidan O'Brien. "I'm not sure where our's will go now but he likes fast ground."

Third-placed Scotland could head to the Ladbrokes St Leger and his trainer, Andrew Balding, commented: "That was a smashing run. He was staying on well. We probably should have gone for the Queen's Vase but he hadn't given the impression he wanted further before today. He could go for a St Leger trial now."

King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2)
£200,650 added, 3yo only, 1m 4f, Class 1
9 ran
Going: Good to firm (Good in places)