John Sargent Glad as plans come to fruition

John Sargent says Glad You Think So is “as good as I can get him” ahead of his Group 1 bid in the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.

The progressive three-year-old passed an important class test when a close fifth in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) last start, his first taste of stakes racing after back-to-back provincial wins at Newcastle.

Bought for $400,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Glad You Think So was picked out by Sargent and renowned bloodstock agent Duncan Ramage, the former racing manager for the late Dato Tan Chin Nam.

“He was a big staying type and he is showing that now,” Sargent said.

“I think he will get better with a bit more time and a bit more distance, but he’s fit, he’s got a good draw on Saturday, a jockey that knows him and he runs on speed.

“He’s got a few things going for him.”

Jean Van Overmeire has ridden Glad You Think So in his past three starts and continues their association in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) where the hoop will bid for his maiden Group 1 win.

Glad You Think So drew a double-figure gate in the Gloaming and was beaten less than a length by winner Raf Attack but he has a much kinder draw in two this weekend.

Sargent is hoping that equates to an easier run in transit and if Glad You Think So can measure up, he will be in line to join stablemate and Geelong Classic runner-up Waverley in Saturday week’s Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington.

“It was a big jump up and he had to work over from the wide draw (in the Gloaming Stakes),” Sargent said.

“He should get a softer run from the two on Saturday so that will help, and the extra 200 (metres) will too.

“He galloped well on Tuesday on the course proper, he will be fit going into it.

“He is as good as I can get him.”