By Daithi Harvey
Hugo Palmer continues his rise up the ranks of British trainers and having officially launched a new 50-box satellite yard in Newmarket this week called Yellowstone Park, he also provided an update on one of his highest achievers in Galileo Gold (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}). “He is very happy and much more relaxed than he was. He hasn't grown, but he has developed and is more muscular,” said Palmer of the 4-year-old who enjoyed such a fruitful 2016 when winning the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas and the G1 St James's Palace S. The Al Shaqab owned colt's form tapered off slightly on his last two starts and the trainer is mindful of not going to the well too often with him this season.
“This year I think he will be campaigned more sparingly. We won't rush to travel him and the obvious point to start is the Lockinge. The programme of Lockinge, Queen Anne, Sussex looks a pretty obvious route.”
Palmer produced Galileo Gold to win the 2000 Guineas on his first start last year and is happy to go direct to the G1 Al Shaqab Lockinge at Newbury May 20., while he is also fairly sure the horse will be sticking to a mile. “I've got no concerns about having him ready first time unless he changes as he is a lot more relaxed. He is quite a strong-travelling horse. I remain to be convinced that he would really settle over a mile and a quarter,” he added.
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