Etonian Keeps Record Perfect With Solario Stakes Win

Richard Hannon knows two things about his impressive Betway Solario Stakes (G3) winner Etonian. He is definitely a (QIPCO Two Thousand) Guineas (G1) horse, and the trainer is a longshot when it comes to deciding the next race for the exciting son of Olympic Glory.

Hannon, for what it's worth, has a preference for the Vertem Futurity Trophy (G1) at Doncaster, the race last year's Solario runner-up Kameko took en route to Guineas glory.

"He's a Guineas horse, definitely, and I'd say the Vertem Futurity Trophy (G1) might be an option, but I'd not dare try and tell (owner) Julie (Wood) that," Hannon said. "She has it all mapped out, so I'll ask her in a minute where we're going next."

Hannon is likely to find out that destination is more likely to be the Darley Dewhurst Stakes (G1), the race in which the past two Solario winners—Too Darn Hot and Positive—have ended their 2-year-old campaigns.

"We've talked about the Dewhurst, but now we can plan going forward," a delighted Wood said. "I think today was the day we found out if he could step up or not, but I'm sure we'll chat about it. He's won his group 3, so those races have to be a possibility for the autumn.

"He's lovely. He's very laid-back and keeps it all for racing, which is a huge plus. His attitude, as you saw coming up the straight, is excellent; he just wants to go there. You've got to think he's a Guineas horse. The way he's crossed the line in his last two races, he looks as though he'd get further—and get it well."

He beat the right one in King Vega, with the green Apollo One holding his own and keeping on for third having cut out most of the running.

And the form of his maiden win received a timely boost earlier on the card when the Charlie Appleby-trained One Ruler, 3 1/4 lengths behind Etonian when he made his racecourse debut over the same course and distance last month, won a hot-looking opening maiden with a bit up his sleeve.

But for all the margin of victory was a comfortable length and a quarter, it was a victory that wasn't without incident.

"He slipped, or certainly nodded, twice on the bend, and I think he frightened himself because all of a sudden he took hold of the bridle and wanted to get out of there," Hannon added. "I think he was very impressive. It's lovely to have a good one for Julie; she lives for ones like this. She thoroughly deserves it."

Coral cut the winner to 16-1 (from 33) for next season's Two Thousand Guineas, while Paddy Power introduced Etonian at 25-1 for the Newmarket classic.