Portcullis testing big-race credentials on the Knavesmire

After inspiring dreams of big-race glory when wowing on his Newmarket debut, the King and Queen’s Portcullis bids to enhance his reputation at York on Friday.

Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the son of Frankel was slowly away when making his bow in the Wood Ditton – but once the penny dropped he delivered a tremendous visual display, drawing five and a half lengths clear of his rivals with relative ease.

It was a performance that left those closest, including jockey Ryan Moore, suitably impressed, and although John Gosden was keen to exercise caution, all eyes will be on the royal runner when he strides for the concluding Darley EBF “Confined” Novice Stakes.

“He’s coming here on Friday and has trained well since that (Wood Ditton),” said Gosden.

“He’s strengthened and developed, he’s still a young horse who is a little inclined to get in a hurry about things, but we’re happy with him.

“I see a nice field. William (Haggas) has put in a very nice colt (Weheedd) that was second to a horse of ours (Organise) at Yarmouth. He looked smart that day, so it will be no penalty kick.”

Portcullis will not be the only royal runner in action on the day, with the Gosdens’ Warrant Holder another heading to the Knavesmire for the Support Macmillan Charity Raceday On 13 June Handicap, while at Newmarket, Ralph Beckett’s Queen’s Companion will bid to get off the mark in the Debenhams Novice Stakes.

Meanwhile on Saturday, the exciting Beckett-trained Golden Orbit will try to put her hat in the ring for the Betfred Oaks when she goes on trial in the Listed Childwickbury Stud Fillies’ Trial Stakes at Newbury.