Racing News
Friday 6th June 2014
   
Kingman On A Revenge Mission At Royal Meeting

QuinnBet

Kingman is set to take on Night of Thunder once again in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot later this month in what would be a repeat of their clash in the 2000 Guineas.

Night of Thunder just got the better of Kingman in the closing stages at Newmarket in the opening Classic of the season, despite veering to the left in the run in to line. Jockey Kieren Fallon was able to steer his mount home at surprise odds of 40/1 with the two market leaders in behind him in second and third.

Astaire
© Racehorse Photos

Astaire
John Gosden’s charge started the 2000 Guineas as the 6/4 favourite. He had won the Greenham Stakes by over four lengths at Newbury just a month earlier and was unbeaten going into the race.

Connections of Kingman did not have to wait long though to win their first Classic after the Newmarket disappointment as they travelled across to Ireland to score in the Irish 2000 Guineas. The margin at the Curragh was five lengths as he blew away his rivals in a very impressive performance.

Night of Thunder, on the other hand, has been given a rest since his 2000 Guineas win. Trainer Richard Hannon chose against trying for the Guineas double by running in Ireland. Instead their intention has always been to send their colt to Royal Ascot for the St James’s Palace Stakes.

The bookmakers rate Kingman as their favourite in the racing odds to reverse the form at Newmarket, while others at the top end of the betting include Night of Thunder’s stablemate Toormore and Aidan O’Brien’s War Command who was successful at this meeting 12 months ago in the Coventry Stakes.

The winner of the race will join a roll of honour that includes Frankel, Canford Cliffs and Dawn Approach.

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