‘Victory’ the Key to Hampton Court success

The addition of the G3 Hampton Court Stakes to the program when Royal Ascot extended to five days in 2002 has enhanced the meeting, of that there can be no doubt.

It has also proved a successful race for Godolphin, with the Charlie Appleby-trained Hawkbill winning it in 2016 and the Saeed bin Suroor-trained Benbatl successful last year.

Both Godolphin trainers have runners in Thursday’s renewal, for which 16 are declared.

Appleby believes Key Victory is shaping up nicely and is ready to enjoy a fruitful second half of the season.

“He is a horse who is learning on the job,” the trainer said. “He won his first two starts, then went to Chantilly where he finished eighth in the French Derby,” he pointed out.

“He didn’t lose anything in defeat in France, and he learnt plenty on the day. I think he will be a key player in the Hampton Court and being back on a sounder surface will suit him,” he added.

William Buick is booked for Key Victory, while James Doyle is aboard Nordic Lights.

Appleby said of Nordic Lights: “He also won his first two starts, then ran a creditable fifth in the G2 Dante Stakes at York.

“He was a bit slow from the gates that day and hopefully we can get him to break a bit quicker this time. If he can run up to the level of the Dante form he won’t be too far away,” he added.

Saeed bin Suroor sends out the once-raced National Army, a son of Dubawi who made a winning debut at Doncaster earlier this month. Christophe Soumillon is to ride.

Saeed said: “He won well at Doncaster and I liked the way he finished the race. He has improved for that run and stepping up to a mile and a quarter should suit.”