Portcullis stars in Friday treble for the King and Queen

Exciting prospect Portcullis remained unbeaten to headline a memorable across-the-card treble for the King and Queen on Friday.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained son of Frankel caused a real buzz when romping to victory in the Wood Ditton at Newmarket on debut and showcased his potential once again in the Darley EBF “Confined” Novice Stakes on the Knavesmire.

Sent off the even-money favourite in the hands of William Buick, Portcullis’ task was made more straightforward when chief market rival Weheedd was pulled up early into the mile affair and although not as comprehensive as his Newmarket bow, the future is clearly bright for the royal colt.

Gosden senior said: “He’s still racing with his ‘L’ plates on.

“He was on the wrong leg on the bend, he got on his off-fore when he should have been on his near-fore, he got a little confused in the straight and William said he never got the idea of racing until the final half-furlong, then he got the idea.

“He couldn’t race last year through no fault of his own, he’s very much a work in progress but he’s carried a 6lb penalty today and won so we’re very happy, but William feels there is a lot of improvement to come, more mentally than anything else. We’re thrilled.”

Weheedd was taken by horse ambulance back to the stables for further assessment, where he was said to be lame, and Gosden added: “I was sorry to see something happen to William’s horse.

“We’ll just take small steps, not big ones, you won’t see him launched in the deep end yet, let him come to us, it’s only May, it’s a long year.

“We’ve nothing in mind, but we’ll find the right race.”

The Clarehaven team had earlier saddled a Royal Ascot hope when Warrant Holder carried the King and Queen’s colours to victory in the Support Macmillan Charity Raceday On 13 June Handicap.

The 11-4 favourite had a good run along the rail before coming to lead in the final furlong, keeping on to beat Thunder Run by a length.

Like Portcullis, another son of Frankel, he was consistent in his three-year-old career and having been gelded over the winter and with a tongue-tie applied for the first time, he produced a most professional performance.

“It is lovely to have him back, he has been off for a long time. He broke well, he had a good position and he got a good run up the rail, so we are absolutely delighted with him,” said Gosden senior.

“We’ll see where we go from here, no plans at this moment as we’ll see what the handicapper does. It would be lovely if we can run him in something like the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, it would be great to have a runner there (Royal Ascot). It’s very important to say the least.

“He’s got a good mind on him and he’s been fresh and well at home, so fingers crossed he can build on this.”

The other winner in the treble for both the Gosdens and the King and Queen was Point Of Law (4-7 favourite), who went one better than his debut second at Yarmouth to win the Coolmore City Of Troy EBF Maiden Stakes at Newbury, a race his training team won in 2019 with subsequent St Leger hero Logician.