King’s Gambit blouses rivals in Roman Consul Stakes
King’s Gambit (+400) has charged home along the rail to score a dominant victory in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Tommy Berry elected to head straight to the rear of the field, estimating a strong tempo with Ozzmosis (+120) and Royal Tribute (+900) likely to surge for the lead, and that exactly was what eventuated.
The Peter & Paul Snowden-trained colt simply bid his time as the inside running rail opened for the three-year-old and when Tommy Berry pushed the button, King’s Gambit letdown with a blistering turn-of-foot.
2023 Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes Replay – King’s Gambit | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Tommy Berry
Co-trainer Peter Snowden spoke on behalf of the stable and suggested The Everest (1200m) might be on the cards next year, meanwhile the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) would be the major target this spring season.
“He’s a very very talented horse and he’s only had a handful of starts,” said Snowden.
“He’s only going to keep getting better and better. Once everything falls into place, he really does relax. You’ll see a very very good horse.
“I’ve done a lot of travelling with him, a lot of petrol money spent on this bloke. But it’s all worthwhile, we wouldn’t have done it if we never thought he was worth it.
“Paul and I both had a lot of confidence in this horse and it’s good to see him reward us with that sort of win.”
“The Coolmore that Henry (Field) and the team really want to win with him.
“We might even get another run in before the Coolmore and the more racing he has the better he’ll be and the more relaxed he’ll be and you get a better product.
“He’s certainly a talented horse once you get it all worked out I think we’re going to see a nice horse.”
Tommy Berry only recent resumed riding after a length suspension and has seen immediate success back in the saddle.
“It’s hard to think I’ve only been back riding a week and a half and I find a horse of this quality,” said Berry.
“It’s had a week to sink in but you do pinch yourself when you get good rides like this and my whole book today and next week for Everest Day, it’s quite amazing.
“I do pinch myself. It’s unbelievable to have this support so early in my comeback. I’ll keep working hard, and keep repaying these guys.”
King’s Gambit is now on the third line of betting in futures markets at +500 in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on November 4.