'We like him a lot' - who is feeling confident for competitive handicap?

Tuesday: 3.30 Epsom
Great Metropolitan Handicap | 1m4f | 4yo+ | RTV

Four-year-olds have dominated the Great Metropolitan Handicap in recent years and one imagines youth will come to the fore again at Epsom on Tuesday.

Mark Johnston won this in 2017 and his representative this season, Kings Prince, should be near the top of anyone's list if seeking a wager.

Kings Prince looked a top-notch prospect in his first two races, winning eased down at Haydock over a mile at two before relishing the step up to 1m4f at Pontefract on his return in 2021 to score even more impressively.

Those displays prompted Kings Prince to be sent off a warm 11-8 favourite for the Listed Glasgow Stakes at Hamilton, but he failed to justify his price and was beaten three and three-quarter lengths into fourth.

However, the first three home that day have enhanced the strength of the form. Aleas (now rated 101), Title (108) and Glenartney (98) have kicked, on and Kings Prince could take a bit of pegging back off a mark of 90.

This Kingman colt's Leicester return was hugely encouraging and his dam was a dual US Grade 1 winner, so there is lots to like.

If there is a fly in the ointment, it could be Going Gone for trainer Jim Boyle. Going Gone had excuses for the only two occasions he finished out of the top two last term. Soft ground over 1m6f didn't suit at Sandown and an all-weather surface might not have played to his strengths at Kempton. Going Gone was impressive here three starts back and can enjoy a productive season.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Charlie Fellowes, trainer of Pirate King
He’s a funny horse as everything you would think wouldn’t suit him does – he’s big and gangly, and you would think he wants soft ground, but he likes it rattling quick. You would think Lingfield would be the worst place to run him, but he loves it there and I don’t think Epsom will cause him too many problems. He slightly has to prove he’s just as good on turf but there’s plenty in his favour.

Jim Boyle, trainer of Going Gone
We like him a lot and it would be great if he could be a really nice horse this year for Paul [Taylor] and Richard [O’Dwyer], who are brilliant guys and great supporters. I’ve been pleased with him over the winter and his course-and-distance form is a plus.

Ed Walker, trainer of Parachute
I hope he'll bounce back from Doncaster. He's got plenty of ability and is well handicapped. I got the tactics wrong last time and I hope we'll see his true colours here. It looks a good spot for him if he handles the track.

William Knight, trainer of Year Of The Dragon
His run at Doncaster suggested this extra two furlongs would be in his favour and my gut feeling is the track will suit him – if that’s the case I’m hopeful he’ll run a big race. He’s very consistent, did a nice bit of work last Thursday and I’m happy with him.
Reporting by Jack Haynes

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