Royal Ascot 2017 – John Gosden’s Khalidi in with a chance for the King Edward VII Stakes after Goodwood win under Frankie Dettori
Khalidi recorded an impressive win in the Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood, setting a new course record in the process under jockey Frankie Dettori
JOHN GOSDEN's Khalidi has Royal Ascot in his sights after Frankie Dettori steered him to victory in the EBF Stallions Cocked Hat Stakes at Goodwood.
The six runners were put through a thorough stamina test as Khalidi's stablemate Monarchs Glen set a strong pace and opened up a huge lead over the rest of the field.
However, he could not last out the distance, and Dettori and Khalidi quickly picked him up in the home straight for an impressive win.
Khalidi also set a new course record.
Fierce Impact came home second with favourite Raheen House in third. Monarchs Glen faded into fourth.
Dettori said: "We don't have many races over the one-mile-three, so with fast ground, the wind behind and a decent pace, I'm not surprised it's a course record.
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"It is good it all ties up with the Dante winner and the form was solid. I think he had a day off last time and maybe the winner is quite talented.
"I was never travelling that day, but today he came good and he finished strong.
"I was concerned as that fellow (Monarch's Glen) has got a lot of talent.
"I thought I better go because nobody was good enough to take me there so I had to make the move.
"When he (Monarch's Glen) hit the furlong marker I knew he was drunk, but he is the sort of horse if you give him too much rope he can go.
"The obvious plan (for Khalidi) would be the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot."