The tone for the Classic generation was set by Taghrooda at Ascot on Saturday and Kingman will try to strike again for the three-year-olds when he clashes with Toronado in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes on Wednesday.
Taghrooda’s victory in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot is still vivid as Kingman bids to become the sixth three-year-old colt in seven years to overcome the older generation.
Kingman showed he was the premier colt of his age group when he won the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and will be again ridden by James Doyle.
Two seasons ago Frankel, the best horse in the world when he was racing, became the first to defend his title in the Group 1 contest, which was first run in 1878.
It puts into context the task facing Toronado, last year’s winner who will have to concede eight pounds (3.63kg) under Richard Hughes to his chief rival. Richard Hannon, his trainer, believes that course form at this most idiosyncratic venue will be a huge factor.
Yesterday’s scorching conditions have baked the going to good to firm, which will also hinder Kingman’s attempt.
“Since Royal Ascot he has thrived and, while we have huge respect for Kingman, Toronado has a course victory on his CV and that counts for a lot as Goodwood is not an easy track,” Hannon said. “Kingman is top class ... It’s going to be a great race.”
The fast conditions saw Aidan O’Brien take out War Command but leave in Darwin, to be ridden by Ryan Moore. Godolphin’s Outstrip, the only other runner, will be partnered by William Buick.
Outstrip gave Kingman three lengths at Ascot but trainer Charlie Appleby feels last year’s Breeders’ Cup hero could cause an upset. “I was very happy going into Royal Ascot, where he produced what I thought was a career-best performance,” he said. “He’s an athletic horse and handled the Goodwood course well last year.”
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