Race of the season still on as Solow and Gleneagles both bound for QEII

The duel between Solow and Gleneagles, which was first hoped for back in July in the Qatar Sussex Stakes only for Gleneagles to be scratched, could finally take place on Saturday as both horses are among the 12 entries remaining for the Group 1 £1.1 million Queen Elizabeth II Stakes sponsored by QIPCO which is run over Ascot’s straight mile.

Other top contenders here include the brilliant winner of the Group 2 Celebration Mile at Goodwood, Kodi Bear, plus the Group 1-winning juvenile, Elm Park, who will be dropping back in trip having run in the Investec Derby over a mile and a half in June, and a pair of multiple Group 1 scorers from the Andre Fabre yard, Esoterique and Territories.

Kevin Buckley, the British representative for Coolmore Stud, owner of Gleneagles, said:

“He’s in very good form and will do a little piece of work during the week. We’ll keep our eye on the weather and we’ve got our fingers crossed and hopefully he’ll run.

He was ready for the Sussex, then the Jacques Le Marois and then we looked at the Juddmonte and the Irish Champion – it’s been disappointing and it’s been very difficult.”

Clive Cox, trainer of Kodi Bear, said:

“He’s very much at home on the ground and he’s had a nice chance to freshen up since the Celebration Mile. I’m thrilled with the progress he’s shown throughout the year. He’s been very convincing albeit this is another step up. We’re hoping for a big run on Saturday.”