The Parthenon aims to secure Aidan O’Brien’s fourth win in Tuesday's HKJC World Pool Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. It has been a decade since the Ballydoyle trainer achieved his first victory in this juvenile Group Two race with the international star Highland Reel. Since then, he has added to his achievements with War Decree in 2016 and Battleground in 2020.
After finishing fifth on debut at the Group Three level, The Parthenon successfully claimed his first victory at Gowran Park last month. He has since avoided the Railway Stakes at the Curragh and the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket due to unsuitable ground conditions.
With that in consideration, O’Brien is hopeful the weather on the Sussex Downs will continue to improve for the son of Kingman.
Trainer comments on The Parthenon: “We had high hopes, he debuted well at Marble Hill but won his maiden less convincingly than expected. We hope he performs better, as he's a promising colt.”
Middleham Park Racing is optimistic about An Outlaw’s Grace, believing a longer distance will enhance his performance after a strong debut win at Salisbury and a fourth-place finish in the Prix Robert Papin. Director Tim Palin noted, “He’s in excellent shape, moving to seven furlongs should help.”
Charlie Appleby’s Aomori City, making his seven-furlong debut, is also a contender. After a solid performance in the July Stakes, he’s expected to benefit from the distance and track.