Is Field Of Gold Europe’s best three-year-old miler?

Field Of Gold's domination of what looked beforehand a high-quality field in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas means he will be the one to beat at Royal Ascot and beyond. Do our experts see any dangers lurking ahead of the St James's Palace Stakes?

'Henri Matisse will relish having a target'

It may still be the early stages of the season but Field Of Gold's Irish 2,000 Guineas performance puts him firmly at the top of the pile for three-year-old milers in Europe. 

He swept into contention with authority before putting daylight between himself and the field, so it's no surprise he's a hot favourite for the St James's Palace Stakes. 

Yet the manner of his success on Sunday might make some forget the prowess of French Guineas winner Henri Matisse, who may not win as flashily but does his best work late on, and will relish having a target to reel in if Field Of Gold hits the front as early as he did at the Curragh. 

I would spare a final word for Cosmic Year, who was raced prominently before the Irish 2,000 Guineas but had a heap of work to do from the rear, yet still managed to snatch second. With a return to more positive tactics, he could be a solid each-way bet for Royal Ascot.
Catherine Macrae, reporter

'He could match Kingman and go unbeaten through the rest of the year'

I have an image of Kingman’s win in the St James’s Palace Stakes which still plays tricks on my memory, such was the speed with which he moved from A to B that day.

Like father like son? Kingman wins the 2014 St James's Palace StakesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

His son Field Of Gold appears to have that same brilliance and I would be surprised if any three-year-old in Europe can match him.

Henri Matisse and Jonquil put up very fast fractions in the Poule d’Essai but given he is also owned by Juddmonte, the runner-up won’t be taking on Field Of Gold, while the overall level of form looks below that of the Curragh on a strict line through Rashabar.

Kieran Shoemark was criticised for delaying his challenge on Field Of Gold at Newmarket but he is a huge-striding colt on whom any jockey would surely have waited until they hit the rising ground. On more conventional tracks, he might easily match his sire and go unbeaten through the rest of the year.
Scott Burton, France correspondent

'I still have reservations over his ability to quicken on fast ground'

Field Of Gold proved far too good for his rivals, with the shower in the lead-up to the race and the galloping nature of the Curragh suiting him perfectly.

With Ruling Court heading for the Derby, this performance probably marks him as the one to beat in the three-year-old mile division, and the round course at Ascot is another track where he’ll be able to show his best.

Henri Matisse and Ryan Moore after winning the 2024 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del MarCredit: Sean M. Haffey

He is a proper galloper, though, and I still have reservations over his ability to quicken instantly if the ground were to be very quick, just as he failed to do in the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas.

That would stop me from taking skinny odds about him for the St James’s Palace Stakes, with French 2,000 Guineas winner Henri Matisse looking a good alternative.

He has improved considerably this season and his Longchamp win came in a very fast time. He'll be the one to put faith in on fast ground.
Harry Wilson, tipster

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