Guineas second King Of Change returns to action in Fortune Stakes at Sandown

Classic runner-up King Of Change returns to the track for the first time since May in the Listed Chasemore Farm Fortune Stakes (3.25) at Sandown on Wednesday.

The three-year-old has not been seen since finishing second at 66-1 behind Magna Grecia in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in May, when he stepped up to Group 1 company after winning a Nottingham novice.

Trainer Richard Hannon said: "He had a hard race in the Guineas, so we gave him a nice break over the summer. He's been off for a while but this is a nice race and he looks a million dollars."

King Of Change has a number of entries this autumn, including the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, but his participation will depend on how he performs at Sandown and options are open.

A maximum of five rivals stand in his way, including the John Gosden-trained Turgenev, last seen finishing second behind Duke Of Hazzard in the Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood.

"This looks the right spot for him and he should like the trip and the ground," said Gosden, bidding for his first win in the race since 1993.

Can Palace Pier follow up?

Palace Pier made an eyecatching debut last month and connections will hope for more of the same when he returns to Sandown for the 7f novice (2.55).

The two-year-old cost 600,000gns as a juvenile but looked a shrewd purchase when finishing three and three-quarter lengths clear in a competitive maiden under Frankie Dettori.

Palace Pier surges clear of his rivals on debut at SandownCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Palace Pier holds entries in the Group 1 Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, where he could test his Classic credentials against 2,000 Guineas favourite Pinatubo, and the Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster, but trainer John Gosden is taking it one step at a time.

"He won well first time and it was always the intention to tackle a novice rather than something loftier," said the trainer. "He's pleased us at home since winning at Sandown."

The son of Kingman is a general 14-1 shot for the 2,000 Guineas.

Read The Lowdown from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com and the Racing Post app for all the day's going updates, news and tips