Marco Botti has stated his stable star Giavellotto remains on track for the Hong Kong Vase despite a below par effort in Germany on Sunday.
The seven-year-old son of Mastercraftsman has been a revelation for the Newmarket-based yard. After some gallant efforts in Grade 1’s on home soil, he won the 2024 Grade 1 Hong Kong Vase. Second to Sosie in the race last year, he’ll return for another crack later this year if all is well.
The Hardwicke winner failed to justify favouritism in the Grosser Preis Von Baden last time out. He was beaten three lengths, with Roger Varian’s Saddadd winning his inaugural Group 1.
Speaking to the Press Association following the performance, via Racing TV, Marco Botti said: “I don’t think we can blame the ground which was genuinely good to firm. I would say he probably just got a little upset and revved up with the parade before the race.
“Billy said when he got down to the start his heart rate was probably quite high. In the race he travelled but just didn’t pick up as we were hoping he was going to.
“In addition he just had to commit maybe a little bit sooner than I wanted turning in. But once the winner and runner-up got to his girths he didn’t really find much and only stayed on one-pace.”
Hong Kong ‘still remains my priority,’ suggests Marco Botti
Giavellotto has taken connections around the globe, with efforts at Riyadh, Meydan, Doha, Sha Tin, Longchamp and now Baden-Baden. America was pondered, but Botti appears to adopting the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ method.
Botti continued: “Initially I had thought maybe Breeders’ Cup. But after yesterday we have to regroup and take some time to get him fresh and well for Hong Kong. That still remains my priority. But we need to talk to the team and the owners and see what they want to do.
“Last year he won the September Stakes, ran in the Arc (and then Hong Kong. But the year before he ran early September in the Irish St Leger. Then went straight to Hong Kong and won so he doesn’t mind having a gap between his races.
“He is on his way back today. But unless something comes to light in the next week or so that will be the plan. It was a shame but it wasn’t meant to be. As for whatever reason he didn’t quite fire and show the same spark as he has done in the past.”