Gladius as a yearling
It may have only been a maiden on a Monday afternoon at Kempton, but there was no denying the visual impact of the debut win of Gladius.
The three-year-old colt, owned in partnership by Qatar Racing / China Horse Club / David Howden, produced an eye-popping closing burst inside the final furlong that carried him from some five lengths adrift of race favourite Dixieland Blues to a widening length win.
Trainer Andrew Balding was contained in his post-race assessment of the colt who is expected to be given his chance to move through the grades when next seen.
“[Gladius] just took a little time to find his feet in the straight but very pleased with the way he has picked up and stayed onto the line,” Balding said.
“You never know quite what to expect when they come to the races first time but [Gladius’] work had been good and he’s been very sensible at home. It would have been out of character if he hadn’t been professional first time out. It’s nice to get the ball rolling with him.”
China Horse Club’s Matt Houldsworth was highly complementary of the maiden performance of a colt he has been keeping close tabs on since he was sourced at the 2023 Tattersalls Book One Yearling Sale.
“That was a strong win,” Houldsworth said of Gladius. “He was green early, but demonstrated a massive turn of foot late on to savage the line beating some highly fancied horses.
“He’s a very laid back horse and switches off easily which isn’t a bad thing. It was also notable that Oisin [Murphy] was only riding him hands and heels in the finish. Hopefully that’s indicative that there is further improvement in him.
“We’ll let the dust settle and see how he pulls up. [Gladius] will stay 2000m in time but I’d imagine Andrew will be conservative in his progression with this colt. It is certainly an exciting start to the season for him.”