All systems go for Goken and Spencer at tasty 12-1

AFTER watching Goken rattle home a hampered third in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot I took a chance with him at massive odds in the 6f July Cup and while he could only manage to finish in midfield, his run at Newmarket showed me enough to think I can go in with some confidence in the Qatar King George Stakes (3.45) this afternoon.

Kevin Ryan’s four-year-old was drawn on the outside at Newmarket, but was switched in behind the leaders and proceeded to tank his way through the race at the back. He was still in last place two furlongs out and was still throwing his head around just over a furlong out, so it wasn’t a great surprise his run proved short-lived in the final uphill climb.

Whatever he was in his early years, Goken looks a pure 5f horse and now connections have discovered how to ride him – he used to make the running but seems far happier buried off a strong pace – I’m sure he’s going to prove up to Group 1 standard.