Harbinger given Goodwood aim

Harbinger remains on course for the Betfair Gordon Stakes on the opening day of Glorious Goodwood.The Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt won a Chester maiden in taking style but then had to miss his intended target at Royal Ascot, the King Edward VII Stakes, with a pulled muscle. Now back in full work, connections remain hopeful he will develop into a top-class performer."Touch-wood, he's in very good form. He worked on Saturday, and went very well, and also worked the Wednesday before that. He is hopefully on course to run in the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood," said Harry Herbert, racing manager for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing."He did have a bit of time off, having pulled a muscle in his quarters, but that has cleared up. When I saw him last Wednesday he worked very nicely - he looks very well - and he seems to be physically improving as much as anything."Missing the King Edward was infuriating, but that's racing. "He's a horse that really has four-year-old written all over him and anything he did this year is a bonus as he is a late-maturing type. But he excites us and and seeing how he is developing there will be plenty of improvement to come."Everyone has been very patient and we know he is in exceptional hands."We are very much looking forward to Goodwood and if for any reason he didn't make that I imagine Sir Michael might consider York (Great Voltigeur)."