Kentucky-bred King of Steel powered home impressively to register a decisive victory in the King Edward VII S. (G2) at Royal Ascot on Friday, June 23, making it three consecutive days that a Kentucky-bred has triumphed at the prestigious meeting following wins by CRIMSON ADVOCATE in the Queen Mary S. (G2) and VALIANT FORCE in the Norfolk S. (G2).

The imposing son of Wootton Bassett (GB) rated at the back of the pack early and stormed home late to win as much the best by 3 ½ lengths. Owned by Amo Racing, King of Steel was bred in Kentucky by BCF Services LLC (Bonne Chance Farm) and is trained by Roger Varian. King of Steel was a $200,000 graduate of the 2021 Keeneland September Sale where he was consigned by Gainesway.

Ridden by Kevin Stott, King of Steel, who was second in the Betfred Derby (G1) at Epsom in just his third career start last time out, did not disappoint as the odds-on favorite in the King Edward VII Stakes.

“He ran a massive race in the Derby and it’s nice he’s proved it wasn’t a fluke,” Kevin Stott told Racing Post. “He’s the best middle-distance horse I’ve sat on by a long way.”

Trainer Roger Varian was also impressed with his charge’s performance, and told Racing Post, “You’re always nervous coming out of a Derby to Ascot, so it’s a relief. When they run so big in the Derby, we were confident, but you know horseracing, it’s a tough game. He’s a super horse and he confirmed what he did in the Derby, which is very satisfying. The Grand Prix de Paris is what we’d like to do but a lot can change with horses.”