COL PLAYS THE FIELD!

Cruise control for Keane on Gosdens' gallant grey

- MELISSA JONES

COLIN KEANE kept his cool as galloping grey Field Of Gold scorched to a brilliant St James's Palace Stakes success yesterday.

Thrust into one of the highest-profile roles in racing, Keane had the weight of expectation from owners Juddmonte and favourite backers on his shoulders.

But little over a week after his appointment to wear the famous silks of the late Prince Khalid Abdullah, the 30-year-old rider added a Group One to his glittering CV in style.

Producing a carbon copy of their Irish 2,000 Guineas display - the race which effectively promoted Keane - Field Of Gold accelerated with a couple of furlongs to go and it was game over.

The 8-11 market leader passed the post three-and-a-half lengths clear of French 2,000 Guineas hero Henri Matisse, with England's titleholder Ruling Court in third.