On a day when the world’s top senior racehorses clashed in Dubai, Louisiana coach Bill Mott introduced a horse that could emerge as a force in the sport as the off-season summer comes.
Olympiad improve his record to a perfect 3 in 2022 while he races more than 1 1/16 miles for the first time when he crosses the finish line to win the 2 lengths Authority in $485,000 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2) on March 26 at Racecourse & Slots in Fair Grounds.
“We always thought he was a good two-year-old, then unfortunately we had to stop for some small problems and wait for him but the wait paid off,” Mott said.
Owned by Grandview Equine, Cheyenne Stable and LNJ Foxwoods, 4-year-old son of Sightstown hasn’t lost since Mott first tested him about two turns in a benefit option claimant on January 15 at Gulfstream Parkwhich he won 7 1/4 of the length.
Before that, he closed his 3-year-old season with a strong but tough finish in the Cigar Mile Handicap presented by NYRA Bets (G1) as he launched his bets in a no-lose setting. What are the top tier 1 bets for millers. Despite slipping on his heel and falling from third to sixth, he managed to finish in fourth.
New Orleans was contested at the 1/8 mile distance that the Olympiad finished with a quick 1:47.74, just 0.10 short of the record.
“Today was a new test at 1 1/8 mile and you always wonder if they can pass the test, but he answered all the questions,” Mott said. “Last time we won 3rd (Mineshaft Stakes) and 2nd this time. We’d love to get 1 on him. He’s a very well-bred horse; a beautiful horse. He must be a promising stallion once his racing career is over.”
Bred by Emory A. Hamilton, the Olympiad was purchased by Solis/Litt for $700,000 from a Gainesway shipment at Keeneland’s September 2019 Sale. Get out Medaglia d’Oro mare Tokyo Time, he was the second of five ponies and her lone bet winner. Her most recent pony is a 2 year old War front purchased by Larkin Armstrong for $450,000 from a Gainesway consignment at Keeneland September Sale and a longing American pharoah pony.
The winner of 5 out of 8 starts, Olympiad, which was a favorite of 3-5 people, paid $3.20 to win while increasing his earnings to $648,440.
Woodford Thoroughbreds, WinStar Farm and Rock Ridge Racing’s Promise Keeper set the pace early in New Orleans with the second Olympiad in the minor six field.
After six comebacks in 1 hour 11 minutes 45, Olympiad and jockey Junior Alvarado overcame the Promise Keeper for the home lead. Godolphin’s pureblood proxies rallied to contest from the outside but were unable to create a lead during the final match.
Proxy, 2nd grade son of Tapit coached by Michael Stidham, comes in second by 2 3/4 length to Promise Keeper, a 4th grader who won 3rd place Organization ponies trained by Todd Pletcher.
Videotapes: New Orleans Classic S. (G2)
