Best eyeing hat-trick plan for native

Kingsgate Native is set to bid for a Group One sprint hat-trick this summer following his victory in the Golden Jubilee Stakes.

The Darley July Cup at Newmarket followed by an attempt at back-to-back victories in the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August is on the cards for John Best’s ace speedster.

The three-year-old bounced back from a disappointing run in the King’s Stand Stakes on Tuesday to take the six-furlong showpiece on Saturday when tackling the trip for the first time.

“I was thrilled to bits and most of the yard had a good celebration,” said Best.

“He’s come out of the race very well, no problems.

“Seb (Sanders) said there was more to come and the horse saw the six furlongs out very well.

“He’s bred to get the trip and we were pretty sure he would see it out but you never know until they do it on the track.

“We thought he would run better in the King’s Stand than he did, but he didn’t get enough cover and wasn’t drawn very well.

“On Saturday he was drawn three, we knew he would get a lead from Takeover Target and the plan was to tuck in behind him.

“The first five home were drawn one to five and there was a draw bias on the straight course at Ascot all week.

“His next race will almost certainly be the July Cup and then the Nunthorpe which he won last year.”