Private Secretary lands Listed Cocked Hat Stakes to continue rise up the ranks

Private Secretary will swerve the world's premier Classic at Epsom next week, but is 14-1 with Paddy Power for the world's oldest after a stylish success in the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood.

Entered in the Investec Derby, Private Secretary will not be confirmed for that event on Monday, but may have entered the equation for Classic glory down the line in the William Hill St Leger after getting up late under Frankie Dettori.

The King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot is next for Denford Stud's homebred Kingman colt and Dettori said: "I had a bad draw so I had to sit last, but I was further out of my ground than I wanted to be. He showed a good turn of foot and won well.

"He loved that ground and is maturing; he'll be a good King Edward horse next month. A mile and a half is ideal and he's learning all the time, while that turn of foot is a good weapon to have."

Trainer John Gosden's son Thady suggested the St Leger might not be on the agenda, however.

He said: "He's well regarded and is progressing a lot. Every run he's come on for and mentally he's doing well.

"I don't know if he'd stay the St Leger trip. He's out of a nice staying family, but is by Kingman, so a mile and six might be a bit far. He's a nice prospect."

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