Rivet ready for Group 1 task
Haggas' colt was impressive when winning a hot maiden at York and continued his progression when winning the Champagne Stakes but he must still step up on those performances
WILLIAM Haggas admits Rivet will have to step up again if he is to strike Group One gold in Saturday's Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.
The Fastnet Rock colt has won two of three starts this term, putting his debut defeat behind him when winning the Convivial Maiden at York before making a seamless switch to Group Two company when winning the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last month.
While Rivet won by upwards of three lengths at York, he had only a head in hand over Thunder Snow on Town Moor and while Haggas rates that rival highly, he knows more is needed of his charge this time.
Haggas, who watched the colt in a spin on the Newmarket gallops on Monday morning, said: "He's a good mover and dry ground will suit him well.
"I've had some out of this mare before, but this is the most precocious by some way. He did show me more speed than the others (juveniles in the yard) and that's why he's got entries in nice races.
"So far it's been a straightforward year, but there are still five days to go.
"I thought the win last time was laboured, but I think the ground was a bit loose for him and I also think the second was quite useful. Andrea felt he got the run of race on the rail and he's got a bit to find to win a Dewhurst on that run."
Rivet could clash with Churchill in the seven-furlong feature, with Aidan O'Brien's runner arriving with four wins from five starts, most recently landing the National Stakes at the Curragh.
Haggas' Lockheed was third in that race, giving the trainer some extra insight into the form.
He said: "We ran into Churchill in the National Stakes (with Lockheed), he's very impressive.
"All his form is on slower ground than it will be on Saturday, but I'm not saying he wont go on faster ground as I'm sure he will go anything. If it is soft it will be against us and probably favour him."
