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King Of Steel ‘in great shape’ ahead of Breeders’ Cup bid

3 minute read

Owner Kia Joorabchian has announced Champion Stakes hero King Of Steel is expected to run in the Breeders’ Cup.

KING OF STEEL (right, purple silks) winning the Champion Stakes at Ascot in England.
KING OF STEEL (right, purple silks) winning the Champion Stakes at Ascot in England. Picture: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

The three-year-old colt could run in either the ten-furlong Breeders' Cup Classic on dirt or the twelve-furlong Breeders' Cup Turf.

Connections are leaning towards the Breeders' Cup Turf, which could see King Of Steel come against old foe Auguste Rodin, who won both the Epsom Derby and Irish Champion Stakes ahead of the Roger Varian-trained colt.

Speaking on Nick Luck's Daily Podcast, Joorabchian said: "We've been monitoring him all week, I've spoken to Roger (Varian) almost every day and I went to see him this week.

"To be honest Roger has said the same thing every day, he can't fault him and he's in great shape. He's come out of the race really well.

"Roger would always err on the side of caution, but he's very happy with him so he's going to travel today to Santa Anita so fingers crossed he should be running in, I'd say, most probably the Turf, but we haven't completely ruled anything out yet.

"The reality is, Roger and his team probably feel much more comfortable on the turf, as a three-year-old I think we would edge towards the Turf. He's never run on dirt and the only factor is if he gets out of the gates a little bit slower he'd get a lot of dirt in his face. That is edging us more towards the Turf.

"The jockey [Frankie Dettori] arrived there yesterday, he sent me a video of himself working out."


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