Field Of Gold pressed for time in Queen Anne preparation

Field Of Gold faces a race against time to make Royal Ascot, while owners Juddmonte also revealed John and Thady Gosden-trained stablemate Publish will not be seen on course again until 2027 after the Classic hopeful was ruled out for the season.

The former was one of the stars of last year, avenging narrow 2000 Guineas defeat in the Irish equivalent before dazzling in the St James’s Palace Stakes at the Royal meeting.

Although an issue picked up in defeat at Goodwood hindered progress in the second half of last season, all roads appeared to lead back to the summer marquee event and a run in the Queen Anne Stakes following a satisfactory second on his return in Sandown’s bet365 Mile.

However, the colt was subsequently ruled out of a start in this Saturday’s Boyle Sports Lockinge after being found to be suffering from a bacterial infection and his recovery from that could impact on his participation in the opening race of Royal Ascot.

“It could be tight enough,” said Juddmonte’s European racing manager Barry Mahon on the prospect of a run in the Queen Anne.

“He’s been getting treatment and is in work, albeit light work, and I think they’re going to reassess him later this week or early next week, which will tell us whether we can kick on a bit more or whether we need another easy week or two.

“That will be key, but it feels a bit tight at this stage of the year I’d say.

“The second half of the season is where it’s always at for those Group One horses, so we’re pretty relaxed.

“We’ll give him an extra week if we have to, but we’ll let him to tell us and once he’s in good form and John and Thady give us the thumbs up we’ll start looking at the programme book then.”

While Field Of Gold is highly likely to be sighted again at some point this season, the same can not be said for fellow Kingman colt Publish, who was one of the leading fancies for the 2000 Guineas before suffering a setback which will ultimately keep him out of action for the whole of his three-year-old season.

“I’d say it’s going to be more longer-term – it will be next season before we see him unfortunately,” added Mahon.

“He’s had some surgery and he’s recuperating well. He’s fine and he will be fine, but I’d imagine by the time he gets back to exercise and gets back to race fitness the season is going to be nigh on over, so I’d imagine it will be next season before we see him, which is unfortunate.”