Impressive Saxon Warrior Colt Books Ticket To Royal Ascot

King’s Gambit (3c Saxon Warrior – Pure Symmetry, by Storm Cat) showed his class on Saturday when running out an impressive winner of the London Gold Cup Handicap at Newbury.

Harry Charlton’s charge boasted strong juvenile form and was sent off favourite for the valuable heritage handicap, which has previously been won by the likes of Bay Bridge, Cannock Chase, Defoe and Time Test. Racing prominently throughout the ten furlong contest, he was switched right two furlongs from home and led a furlong later. Soon clear, he kept on under William Buick to score by four lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “When you do that off a handicap mark of 93, it's hard to argue that you're not pretty good. I'd say around 80 per cent of the previous winners of this race are stallions now and it's a proper race. We always thought KING'S GAMBIT was a proper horse but he was exceptionally raw last season.” On future targets, Charlton added, “William said the Hampton Court would be his sort of race and that's where Time Test went after this.”

King’s Gambit was bought by Roger Charlton as a yearling for 125,000gns and now carries the colours of Mohammed Jaber. Bred by Roundhill Stud, the exciting prospect is a full-brother to the progressive recent winner Mighty Nebula (Saxon Warrior).