The King Edward VII Stakes (G2) was introduced as the Ascot Derby in 1834 in that it is restricted to 3-year-olds. It was renamed in 1926 and is now restricted to 3-year-old colts and geldings only. A field of nine faced the starter in this 1 1/2 mile event on Friday for a £200,000 (about $391,400 US) purse. Jockey Frankie Dettori sent 9-1 Campanologist to the front soon after the start, and he set the pace while being stalked by 40-1 outsider Top Lock. 11-4 favorite Conduit sat in mid pack early. Turning for home, Conduit ran into traffic trouble as jockey Ryan Moore looked for running room, as Top Lock put in a challenge for the lead. With a furlong to go, Conduit finally got clear but could not catch Campanologist, as the Godolphin colorbearer held him off by 3/4 length in 2:31.24. It was a length back to Top Lock third. Until this race, Godolphin had been shut out for the meeting.
Jockey Frankie Dettori said, "I've been on suicide watch this week and they've hidden the knives and ropes! I've been getting so much stick from everybody about not riding a winner, even Princess Anne said something yesterday. But I had a good partner there and a horse with a lot of courage. I wanted a good position and a bit of a test but when I slowed it down, I tried not to do it too much and when I heard the roar from the crowd I knew something was coming, but I had enough rope left to get over the line. It's easy to win on good horses and he is a good horse."
Trainer Saeed bin Suroor added, "I'm really happy, the horse has improved a lot since Lingfield and he really proved that he stays the distance. We'll keep our options open and see how he comes back after this." He will likely be pointed at the St. Leger Stakes at Doncaster on September 13.
