Last year’s Champion 2YO Pinatubo had his colours lowered again at Royal Ascot overnight with progressive Kingman colt Palace Pier keeping his unbeaten record intact with a length victory over him in the Group I St James’s Palace Stakes (1m).
Trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, Palace Pier had won his three previous starts in maiden, novice and handicap grade with this assignment his first in a Black Type race.
“We always thought a lot of Palace Pier, but his work in the spring wasn't what we thought it could have been, but since Newcastle he's turned a page,” said Dettori.
“I expect him to improve a bit after that first Group 1. At the moment the mile is in his reach and there are plenty of good races over a mile. I'm sure John will find a good path for him.”
Purchased for 600,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book One from the Highclere Stud draft by his trainer, Palace Pier runs for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
He is the best of two winners from Beach Frolic a half-sister by Nayef to Group II winners Bonfire and Jovialty.
Palace Pier is the 21st stakes-winner for Invincible Spirit’s exciting sire son Kingman and is his second Group I winner.
Australian breeders can access the bloodline here this spring with Coolmore set to stand Kingman’s first son to stud Calyx at a fee of $17,600.
