The impressive rate of improvement Olympic Class has made in his first preparation has convinced trainer Michael Costa to chase city success.
Bought at the Inglis Classic sale for only $18,000, Olympic Class was backed from $14 into $9.50 and won like an odds-on pop at his first start in a 1400 metre maiden against older horses at the Gold Coast on October 17.
While Costa expected a forward showing from Olympic Class, he was not anticipating such an easy win.
“It was a winnable race but I just thought the way his trials had been and drawing an outside gate that he would more than likely get back,” Costa said.
“He began handy then he just rolled forward and ended up sitting outside the lead and then kicked on with it in the straight and it was a dominant win.
“They went at a fair clip and he kicked away from the field.”
Olympic Class gave little indication of being a runaway winner at his debut after he performed only moderately at his first serious test in a jump out.
“It’s just so interesting watching these horses. We give them the opportunity to trial and learn in their own time,” Costa said.
“If we go back a month or two, he had a jump out and was beaten about 20 lengths.
“The amount of improvement they show every time is great to watch and he looks to be a horse with a bit of upside.”
On the strength of that win, Olympic Class is the $2.25 favourite with TAB fixed odds for Saturday’s Stylish Century Handicap (1640m).
The gelding is a member of a strong team of runners Costa will send to Doomben.
He also will saddle up first starter Far Reaching in the RQ Supports Safety In Racing Handicap (1110m) after he impressed at his first barrier trial.
Costa will also be represented by in-form mare Willo Titto who has drawn the coveted rails barrier for the tricky 1640 metre starting point in the Superior Pak Handicap.
Seentoomany will line up in the same race and rounds out Costa’s Doomben team.