Olympic Glory aiming high in Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes at Goodwood
Richard Hannon’s 2-year-old speedy colt, Olympic Glory, looks to be the strongest among 14 entries for Wednesday’s Group 2 Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes at Goodwood.
The juvenile was a comfortable winner on his debut at this venue last month. The class 5 Fair Trade Practice E B F Maiden Stakes was a trouble-free journey for the debutant, as he secured the first prize by three and a quarter lengths. He was slowly in stride,
and soon switched to the stands’ side rails to make himself prominent.
He pumped up his speed a couple of furlongs before the wire to take a handsome lead. After getting in command, he stretched his advantage, bagging the top prize with plenty of ease.
The novice made his first graded appearance last month, when finishing second to Dawn Approach in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes. He stayed on well under pressure inside the final furlong, but failed to overtake the leading runner in the dying moments of the
race. As a result, he missed the crown by ¾ a length.
Olympic Glory regained his momentum by grabbing a close win at Newmarket earlier this month. The Group 2 32Red.com Superlative Stakes saw him beating the David Simcock-trained Birdman by a head’s distance to ensure the first prize.
The two dashing runners will once again meet in next week’s big battle, and Simcock is confident of a good result in the upcoming event. He said on Thursday:
"He has been in good form since his run at Newmarket. He is very straightforward and considering the race was a bit of slog, I couldn't be happier with him."
Hannon will be represented by another powerful runner, Alhebayeb, who recently outplay Lewisham by a neck’s distance in the Group 2 TNT July Stakes at Newmarket.
On the other hand, the Godolphin-owned, Tha'ir is set to fancy his chances. It will be his first graded appearance, but Saeed bin Suroor is happy with the 2-year-old’s current form and fitness.
"Tha'ir worked nicely on Wednesday morning and he looks to be in good form at the moment," opined the veteran handler.
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