Athenium has always shown great potential for trainer Sean Woods and the lightly raced five-year-old looks set to claim the final leg of Sunday's HK$4 million Triple Trio - the Dr G Handicap (1,600m) - at his first run for the season. He was gelded at the end of last season (July 7) and, since returning to the barrier trials, has impressed with his fluent action under a tight hold from Olivier Doleuze.Unfortunately, this horse has experienced a number of problems during his short career, includi
Athenium has always shown great potential for trainer Sean Woods and the lightly raced five-year-old looks set to claim the final leg of Sunday's HK$4 million Triple Trio - the Dr G Handicap (1,600m) - at his first run for the season. He was gelded at the end of last season (July 7) and, since returning to the barrier trials, has impressed with his fluent action under a tight hold from Olivier Doleuze.
Unfortunately, this horse has experienced a number of problems during his short career, including a stress fracture to his pelvis in March 2009, and a bleeding attack after his run on New Year's Day.
Woods has seemingly got this fellow ticking over comfortably and, with two strong barrier trials under his belt, Athenium looks primed to strut his stuff under race-day pressure.
His only win in Hong Kong came over the 1,600m course on June 6 after he stormed home to claim Napa II by a neck and humble Mark Up, Hussler and Jacobee.
John Moore's Royal Panache appears Athenium's biggest threat and will strip fitter for his first-up performance over 1,400m, where he closed off nicely behind Winning Edge wearing the side winkers for the first time.
The four-year-old will appreciate the step up to the mile and, from barrier five, Jeff Lloyd will ensure he gets a cosy run behind the speed.
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