Derby contenders: Casual Conquest | Curtain Call | Doctor Fremantle | Frozen Fire | Henrythenavigator | Kandahar Run | King Of Rome | New Approach | Tajaaweed | Tartan Bearer

KING OF ROME 3-y-o (8 Apr 2005) b c

Montjeu(IRE) - Amizette (USA) (Forty Niner (USA))

Trainer: A P O´Brien Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor Bred: The Amizette Partnership

King Of Rome is a son of Montjeu, winner of the 1999 French and Irish Derby’s as well as the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe. Montjeu already has Derby winners Motivator and Authorized on his C.V. In addition, his hugely talented son Hurricane Run has an Irish Derby and Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe on his personal roll of honour. King Of Rome’s dam has thrown six other foals which are one mile to nine-furlong performers; none of which have set the world alight.

Having run unplaced first time out King Of Rome ran away with a seven-furlong maiden before running below par in the Racing Post Trophy. He finished fifth to Moiqen in a ten-furlong Group Three race at Leopardstown. Just in front of him came Alessandro Volta, who confirmed the form to the pound in the Lingfield Park Derby Trial.

Like many of Montjeu’s offspring, King Of Rome races with his head in the air. However, it does not appear to hinder his galloping ability and he looks as though he has more improvement to come. I confess I am surprised Johnny Murtagh has chosen him over Frozen Fire. I feel it is fair to suggest he must have improved markedly since his last run.