The Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood looks “tailor-made” for King Of Rooks, says Richard Hannon.
The two-year-old son of Acclamation was an impressive five-length winner of the Listed National Stakes under Richard Hughes at Sandown in May. He beat the Mark Johnston-trained Buratino, who went on to win the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
King Of Rooks was purchased by Sheikh Joan's Al Shaqab Racing following his Sandown victory and travelled to Royal Ascot for the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes over five furlongs. He was sent-off 11/8 favourite that day; however his chances were significantly hampered when Frankie Dettori got into a battle with stablemate Log Out Island. The Hannon duo set a ferocious pace and set the race up for Waterloo Bridge, with King Of Rooks finishing third.
Different tactics will likely be employed for the Molecomb, which Hannon won two years ago with Brown Sugar, and the Wiltshire handler is confident his colt can bounce back to his best.
“This fast five furlongs looks tailor-made for King of Rooks, who has lightning speed as you saw in the Norfolk at Royal Ascot,” Hannon told his website.
“He paid the penalty that day for getting in a duel with Log Out Island, but we have freshened him up and remember he had previously beaten Buratino five lengths in the National Stakes at Sandown, and that one went on to win both the Woodcote at Epsom and the Coventry at Royal Ascot, so King Of Rooks has outstanding form claims.”
Hannon has already sent out a juvenile winner at this year's Glorious Goodwood meeting after Inland Sea won the six-furlong Maiden on the opening day.
