Hong Kong still the plan for Giavellotto

Marco Botti has confirmed Giavellotto remains on target for a third crack at the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in December despite admitting the seven-year-old failed to fully fire run in Germany on Sunday.

Sent off the odds-on favourite, Giavellotto could finish only fourth in the  Grosser Preis von Baden, beaten three lengths by Roger Varian’s Saddadd.

While Botti conceded it was a below par showing, if nothing comes to light to explain it, he will be freshened up for a third run for the riches on offer in Hong Kong on December 13.

“I don’t think we can blame the ground which was genuinely good to firm, I would say he probably just got a little upset and revved up with the parade before the race,” said Botti.

“Billy (Loughnane) said when he got down to the start his heart rate was probably quite high and in the race he travelled but just didn’t pick up as we were hoping he was going to.

“In addition he just had to commit maybe a little bit sooner than I wanted turning in but once the winner and runner-up got to his girths he didn’t really find much and only stayed on one pace.”

Giavellotto has proved a real moneyspinner for his connections with approaching £4 million in prize-money earnings. The bulk of that has been banked in Sha Tin’s Hong Kong Vase by winning two years ago and finishing second a year later.

“Initially I had thought maybe Breeders’ Cup but after yesterday we have to regroup and take some time to get him fresh and well for Hong Kong,” said Botti. “That still remains my priority but we need to talk to the team and the owners and see what they want to do.

“Last year he won the September Stakes, ran in the Arc (fourth to Daryz) and then Hong Kong but the year before he ran early September in the Irish St Leger and then went straight to Hong Kong and won so he doesn’t mind having a gap between his races.

“He is on his way back today but unless something comes to light in the next week or so that will be the plan. It was a shame but it wasn’t meant to be (in Germany) as for whatever reason he didn’t quite fire and show the same spark as he has done in the past.”