John Gosden [trainer] said: ''The Legardere is the next logical step,'' he told The Daily Telegraph.
This son of Invincible Spirit, out of a Group-one winning mare, made a sparkling debut at Newmarket, shooting clear in ''impressive'' fashion to win by six lengths. Next start saw a ''comfortable'' victory when beating a small field at Sandown taking the Solario Stakes (Group 3) when partnered for the first time by new retained jockey James Doyle.
Gosden continued: "I know that race and the Dewhurst are much closer these days, but it would still be a big gap if we waited for the Dewhurst. I was very satisfied with his run.''
Connections of Kingman - racing in the Frankel colours - look to favour Longchamp rather that entries such as the Champagne Stakes (Group 2) or Judmonte Royal Lodge Stakes (Group 2).
He also holds an entry for The Racing Post Trophy (Group 1).
He is presently priced around 4/1 for next year's 2000 Guineas.