Water To Wine is set to face a significant step up in class as he competes in the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on Tuesday. The John and Tady Gosden-trained colt remains unbeaten after making a strong impression on his debut at Newbury in April.

Initially considered a contender for the Derby, Water To Wine was sidelined last month due to a high temperature, forcing him to withdraw from the Chester Vase and subsequently miss the Derby itself. Since then, he secured a dominant victory in a less competitive novice race on the all-weather surface at Kempton, setting the stage for his first Group Two challenge.

Tom Goff, racing and bloodstock adviser to owner George Strawbridge, acknowledged the colt's unblemished record but noted that the King Edward VII Stakes represents a significant test. “He’s a very short price for a horse that’s won a maiden and a novice, but it will be very exciting to see him back,” Goff said. He described Water To Wine as “a beautiful horse who has always been held in high regard,” adding that competing in this race marks a notable jump in competition level.

The King Edward VII Stakes has long been identified by trainers as a key target for Water To Wine, with plans first discussed after his impressive Newbury debut. The race offers the colt the opportunity to demonstrate his potential against a deeper field, potentially solidifying his status among the leading three-year-olds of the season.