Andy Oliver to step Panama Hat up in class at Navan
Thursday 14 May 2015 11:50, UK
Andy Oliver is looking to step Panama Hat up in grade on his seasonal debut in the Coolmore Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan on Sunday - as long as conditions are suitable.
The Medicean gelding has earned the right to try his hand in Pattern company after his rating rocketed from 60 last June to almost double that at 110 by the end of the campaign, thanks to five handicap wins in a row.
Though he was just beaten a neck by the Aidan O'Brien-trained Adjusted on his final run of the season in a valuable handicap at the Curragh, his mark went up a further 2lb.
Oliver feels the time is right to give him the chance in a Group Three race, but would not want to run him if the ground was soft.
"It's a natural first step now for him, but it depends on the ground," said the County Tyrone handler.
"If the rain comes and the ground gets soft he'd be an unlikely participant.
"He likes good ground, so it all depends on the weather.
"Obviously he's gone up a lot and is now rated 110 and has to go into that sort of company now.
"Navan is not far from us so it's a convenient course and a good one to get a race into him.
"It's all about having the opportunity."
