Trainer James Eustace has declared Docklands 'in as good a place as we’ve had him' ahead of a highly anticipated clash with star three-year-old Field of Gold in the Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. The five-year-old gelding produced a career-best performance to win the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot last month, narrowly defeating Rosallion and securing a first Ascot victory for Australian jockey Mark Zahra.
Eustace, who enjoyed a breakthrough Royal meeting with two Group 1 winners including Time For Sandals in the Commonwealth Cup, is under no illusions about the task ahead. 'We take on the three-year-olds, particularly Field of Gold, which will be the toughest opponent he’s faced so far,' he said. 'But he’s in as good a place as we have ever had him.'
The trainer is confident the Goodwood track will suit Docklands, despite a disappointing run there earlier in his career. 'He handled Epsom well, so I have no problem with the cambers at Goodwood. The quality might be another matter,' Eustace added. Docklands will have another jockey change, with Tom Marquand taking the ride after Zahra's commitments elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Time For Sandals, a 25-1 winner of the Commonwealth Cup, will step back to five furlongs for the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes. The filly has finished in the first three in all six starts and Eustace believes the drop in trip should not be an issue. 'She’s come out of Ascot particularly well. The big question mark is back to a sharp five, but personally I don’t think it will be a problem,' he said.
