King rules for O’Brien and Murtagh

KING Of Rome put himself in line for the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes after showing his class with an emphatic victory in the Royal Whip Stakes at Leopardstown yesterday.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien believes the three-year-old is now fulfilling his potential though the colt has been highly-tried and only won his first Group race last month.

The 9-10 favourite was Johnny Murtagh’s choice from three O’Brien runners and his faith was justified as the son of Montjeu strode to a comfortable win.