Field Of Gold is set to be reassessed in the next few days as he continues his recovery from the bacterial infection that ruled him out of Saturday's G1 Lockinge Stakes, with Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's European racing manager, adding that “it could be tight enough” for the son of Kingman to make Royal Ascot.
Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Field Of Gold was a dual Group 1 winner last year, having followed a runner-up finish in the 2,000 Guineas with impressive victories in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes.
Though below his best in two subsequent starts in 2025, hopes had been high that Field Of Gold might be able to rediscover his best form after he kicked off his four-year-old campaign at Sandown with an encouraging second in the G2 bet365 Mile.
Whilst Mahon remains hopeful that Field Of Gold will have the opportunity to confirm that impression before too long, an appearance at Royal Ascot is said to be very much in the balance at this stage.
“It could be tight enough,” Mahon said of the likelihood of Field Of Gold lining up in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes, which opens the royal meeting on Tuesday, June 16.
“He's been getting treatment and is in work, albeit light work. 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.”
He added, “The second half of the season is where it's always at for those Group 1 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. Once he's in good form and John and Thady give us the thumbs up, then we'll start looking at the programme book.”
Whilst Field Of Gold is likely to return to action at some stage this season, fellow Kingman colt Publish is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, according to Mahon.
Last seen chasing home the subsequent 2,000 Guineas hero Bow Echo (Night Of Thunder) in the Listed Ascendant Stakes at Haydock in September, Publish had been among the leading contenders for that Newmarket Classic himself, before suffering a setback which will ultimately keep him out of action until next year.
“I'd say it's going to be more longer-term – it will be next season before we see him, unfortunately,” Mahon added.
“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. I'd imagine it will be next season before we see him, which is unfortunate.”
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