Breeders' Cup Turf: Varian confirms King of Steel as starter
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King of Steel, winner of the Group 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot Racecourse in Britain last Saturday, is a confirmed runner for the $4 million Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 4, trainer Roger Varian said on Friday.
Varian assessed King of Steel’s condition through the week before finalizing plans on Friday. King of Steel is scheduled to be flown to California on Friday.
“He jogged on Monday and has cantered since Tuesday,” Varian said. “He looks full of energy and his movement is very good. He looks like a horse that can take another start.
“We sat on the decision as long as we could. The horse has given us all the right signs. We’re happy with him.”
Frankie Dettori is booked to ride King of Steel.
Owned by AMO Racing, King of Steel earned a fees-paid berth to the BC Turf at 1 1/2 miles with a win in the Champion Stakes against older horses at 1 1/4 miles.
A 3-year-old colt, King of Steel has won 3 of 7 starts, including the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/2 miles at the Royal Ascot meeting in June.
Earlier in June, King of Steel was second by a half-length at 66-1 to BC Turf hopeful Auguste Rodin in the Group 1 English Derby at 1 1/2 miles at Epsom Racecourse.
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