Each year, it seems, Antonio Caro and Gerard Augustin-Normand produce another high-class performer out of their collective hat and this year it could be 'TDN Rising Star' Olmedo (Fr) (Declaration of War), who arrived on the scene just as Almanzor (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was bowing out. Looking every bit worthy of Jean-Claude Rouget's lofty opinion when recording a four-length success in a 7 1/2-furlong debutantes contest at Deauville on Aug. 8, the bay takes in Sunday's G3 Prix des Chenes at Chantilly. As ever, the unexposed juvenile has to overcome the already-initiated, and the latter category is filled by Godolphin's Stage Magic (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). Beaten a short head by Francesco Bere (Fr) (Peer Gynt {Jpn}) when second in Deauville's Listed Criterium du FEE over this trip last time on Aug. 19, he has that vital experience of black-type battle to draw on as he encounters Olmedo. “Ease in the ground will suit him and a repeat performance of his latest run should put him bang there,” trainer Charlie Appleby commented.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
