Connections are keen to continue their international endeavour with Glacius, who took the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby last month. Glacius recouped £305,555.56 for his owners, and the $3 million Nashville Derby is now on the cards.
Andrew Balding was the first British trainer to win the race in 2024, followed by James Owen last season. Hugo Palmer bids to make it a British hat-trick, and Glacius is certainly more than capable.
The Too Darn Hot colt was 0-4 since making a winning debut, albeit he’s bumped into some smart types. An eye-catcher on seasonal debut, he backed that up in open company at Sandown in the Listed Gala Stakes.
The voyage to Saratoga was a successful one, and Kentucky appears the next stop. Rob Speers, Glacius’ owners’ racing manager, told the Racing Post: “He’s received an invite to the Nashville Derby on September 5 which we’ve accepted. The nominations were published at the weekend. Unless things change, which is unlikely, he’ll be getting back on a plane to the US and head to Kentucky.”
“He hasn’t got many miles on the clock and is still maturing” – Rob Speers
As the Autumnal ground approaches, horses like Glacius are seeking quicker ground internationally.
Speers continued: “Glacius is a horse who must have fast ground. He’s a real quick action, small feet, top of the ground performer. As the ground is going to turn in Britain, Ireland and the rest of Europe, it makes sense to go where the ground is.
“We think that the Nashville Derby will suit him as he’s a similar type to last year’s winner Wimbledon Hawkeye. He won’t qualify for the Kentucky-bred bonuses but he’ll still be earning close to $1 million were he to win.
“After this we’ll be looking at the newly upgraded Group 1 Bahrain International Trophy for him.”
Inaugurated in 2019, the valuable Bahrain International Trophy has been won the last five years by British based trainers. Royal Champion won the race last year, following his third in the Irish Champion Stakes.
Spirit Dancer was primed for an emphatic double, latterly beating Lockinge winner Lead Artist. After his International foray, Speers suggested Glacius will be ready to step up to the top level in Britain at ten furlongs. “The idea would be to campaign him in the better mile and a quarter races in Britain in 2027. He hasn’t got many miles on the clock and is still maturing.”