St James’s Palace winner Without Parole handed Sussex Stakes challenge
John Gosden's unbeaten three-year-old will next take on his elders at Glorious Goodwood
IMPRESSIVE St James's Palace winner Without Parole will attempt to give his elders a beating in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes later this month.
The three-year-old missed the 2,000 Guineas but showed he's one of the country's top milers at Royal Ascot.
John Gosden's unexposed colt had a fair bit to find with his rivals on paper in the St James's Palace Stakes but demonstrated that he was a class above, drawing clear to win in smart fashion.
That performance followed a novice stakes romp at Yarmouth, which had clock-watchers drooling, as well as a workmanlike success at Sandown.
Now four from four in his career, connections believe the son of Frankel is ready to step up once again, with the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood mooted as his next target.
With Queen Anne Stakes victor Accidental Agent and Lockinge winner Rhododendron possibly lining up too, it promises to be a mid-summer cracker.
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Trainer John Gosden is also considering a step up in trip for his superstar, but will stick to a mile for the time being.
He said: "He came out of his last race with no bother at all. He never missed an oat, but he never does as he is a very laid-back character. He goes for the Sussex Stakes now.
"We are happy at a mile, but I'm quite confident he will go further when and if he is required to."
Another Gosden inmate improving at a rate of knots is Stradivarius, and the Goodwood Cup is next on his agenda.
Last season's St Leger third has conquered all before him this season with comprehensive victories in the Yorkshire Cup and Gold Cup at Ascot.
The top stayer picked up an injury during the latter, but appears to be back on track now.
Gosden said: "I'm pleased to say he did his first canter (on Saturday morning) and he moved well, so hopefully that injury is all behind us.
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"He is a pretty brave horse, as he had the toe clip rammed up into the bottom of his foot.
"I don't know how it happened, but the other horse (Vazirabad) caught him late on in the race. He is fine, so we are looking towards the Goodwood Cup."
A crack at the inaugural WH Stayers' Million is high on the priority list for the four-year-old, who now has to win at Goodwood and the Lonsdale Cup at York in order to collect the bonus for connections.