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John and Thady Gosden's Field Of Gold stamped his authority on the seven furlong Group 3 Solario Stakes at Sandown on Saturday, earning quotes of 14/1 for next year's 2000 Guineas with Paddy Power.
The 5/4 favourite justified market support with a comfortable victory under Kieran Shoemark, having hit the front with a furlong to run and holding off the late surge of the second-placed Matauri Bay. Andrew Balding's Royal Playwright, leader from the early stages, held on for third.
Owned by Juddmonte, the Kingman colt holds an entry in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes later in the season.
"He's obviously progressed and he's had a nice break since his last run," said co-trainer Thady Gosden.
"As you saw he quickened up nicely, they didn't go much of a gallop early on, and once he hit the front he was having a good look around. He's a horse with plenty of class.
"He's benefitted for his nice break since winning his maiden and looking at him there today, he has still got plenty of depth to him and he still has to fill out a bit. He's done much of that today on natural ability. It was a deep field on their performances before and hopefully he will keep on improving.
"There is plenty of scope for improvement next year and like his sire, he has a fantastic mind which will help him develop.
"There's two big races at the end of the season, the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and the Dewhurst Stakes, and we will talk to the owners and see where we go next. He's won a Group Three today, but he won in a style where that could be his next step.
"It's what it's all about, having horses that could progress from two to three, and he's a horse with plenty of class and we're looking forward to him."