Zeus Olympios proves Superior to Haydock rivals

Karl Burke is in no rush to throw Zeus Olympios in at the deep end despite an impressive victory in the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Superior Mile at Haydock.

A winner on his Kempton debut in early January before following up with a dominant display at Thirsk last month, the Night Of Thunder colt faced a significant rise in class as he looked to complete his hat-trick in the Group Three curtain-raiser on Merseyside.

Always travelling strongly under William Buick, Zeus Olympios picked up well once asked to extend and was he was well on top as he passed the post with two lengths in hand over Excellent Believe.

Burke, who saddled Holloway Boy to claim this prize 12 months ago, said of his latest victor: “He’s always worked nicely and William said after a furlong he knew he was on a very nice horse.

“He’s a lovely horse with a great mind, but I was a bit worried whether I was doing the right thing dropping him in this grade on his third run. He ran quite green at Thirsk last time.

“He had an enforced break soon after he came to us and all he did last winter was improve physically, he’s done the same this summer once we’ve got him going and I think he’ll improve again from three to four with another winter on his back.”

Considering future plans, the Spigot Lodge handler added: “He’s won a Group Three now so he can’t go backwards from that, but I don’t really want to throw him in too deep yet.

“I’ll have a look and see what’s available, but I know there’s not a lot available over a mile.

“I certainly wouldn’t think we’ll travel him (abroad) this winter, but I’ll have to have a chat with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid (owner) and see where we go.”