On day 2 of Glorious Goodwood, Kingman cemented his position as the leading miler in Britain. He dispensed with Toronado in the 2014 Qipco Sussex Stakes with his customary electric turn of foot, though victory was not completely straightforward.
In what had been billed as the race of the meeting, with last year’s winner Toronado attempting to give weight to the best of the Classic generation, Kingman, it was the younger horse who held sway at the line, winning by a length under James Doyle.
Only four runners meant tactics were always going to be a key component of the clash, and the first six furlongs were completed at a dawdle, before Richard Hughes attempted to burst clear on Toronado.
Although hitting the front, the four-year-old was unable to completely see off outsider Darwin, while in behind Kingman took a while to get organised on the camber, racing at the track for the first time.
However, once properly aligned, Doyle was able to easily cut down the two rivals ahead of him for a relatively comfortable victory.
Winning jockey Doyle said: “That’s what separates him from the others. He’s so versatile and has all the attributes to get you out of trouble. He’s got a wonderful turn of foot. I thought we’d go steady but not for as long as that.”
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot was mentioned as the next logical target by connections, with Paddy Power making Kingman a 4-7 shot.
For Toronado, plans are more fluid, as Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Al Shaqab Racing, said: “The race was always going to be a muddling affair. The race panned out probably the only way we could beat Kingman, but as soon as he hit the flat ground we were done for.
“There’s no immediate plan, we need the dust to settle. There’s not a whole lot of options but he’s a wonderful horse and I don’t think he lost anything in defeat.”
(source: Racing Post)
Click here for a race replay
