ASCOT, England (AP):

Kingman streaked past rival Night of Thunder with a scintillating burst in the final furlong yesterday to win the St James's Palace Stakes, the feature race of the opening day of the Royal Ascot meeting.

Kingman, the 8-11 favourite, broke to the front from the outside and pulled away for a 2-1/4 lengths victory over Night of Thunder, the 3-1 second favourite. Outstrip was third.

Kingman beat Night of Thunder by four lengths on April 12 in the Greenham Stakes, but Night of Thunder won the 2,000 Guineas by half a length on May 3.

In yesterday's third matchup between the two horses, Kingman proved his superiority.

Ridden by James Doyle, Kingman settled in the pack for most of the race while Richard Hughes kept Night of Thunder out in front. When the horses turned into the home straight, Kingman made up the ground in a matter of strides and shot to the lead.

Doyle gestured for silence with his index finger as he crossed the finish.

"It's almost like they can't go quick enough for him," he said. "He's got so much pace, he's almost climbing over the back of them wanting them to go quicker. I'm just very lucky to be ... on his back."

Trainer John Gosden praised his horse's acceleration.

"'I sat down with James in the weighing room because I didn't want to get confused with everyone else's tactics in the parade ring," he said. "I said whatever they do, ride him cool."