The unbeaten Golden Jaguar will once again have to overcome a wide draw if he is to successfully step up in class and land a first Listed success for owners Phoenix Ladies Syndicate.
So far the Ahmad bin Harmash trained colt has overcome posts positions of 7 and 15, at Jebel Ali and Meydan respectively, and will need to be at his best once more to defy his starting gate of 11 in the Meydan Classic on Thursday. Despite the double-figure starting position, connections remain confident the son of Animal Kingdom can run another big race, especially following his taking run in the Classic trial last time out.
“He won like a good horse, considering he had the to go around them all the whole way around, and still finished off his race very well.” Explained bin Harmash “He has been very well since that run and seems to have matured a little bit after each of his races.”
In addition to that new maturity there is a chance his win in the trial can be given even more credence with jockey Connor Beasley admitting at the time he “had a rush of blood and got to the front a bit too early”. Even so, his trainer is happy that his charge won’t have to show much more to stand a chance of taking his unbeaten record to three.
“The way he ran last time I don’t think he needs to improve that much, but he will need a better trip around.” said bin Harmash reflecting on his runner’s latest effort. “Unfortunately he got a wide draw again, and we will need some luck on the way.”
The form-lines from the Classic trial have got some weight to them, but it’s fair to say that this week’s assignment carries a new challenge entirely as the three-year-old goes on the hunt for black-type for the first time.
“There are a few horses we didn’t bump into last time that have good form.” said bin Harmash looking at the test ahead. “If he doesn’t make problems for himself in the gates and has some luck on his way I don’t see why he should not be close this time as well.”
Much like his sire, Golden Jaguar has, so far, proved versatile on both dirt and turf and a win on Thursday’s Carnival card may also go a long way to showing he has inherited at least some of his father’s class as well.