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27 Aug 11
11:13
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Date Joined:
14 Nov 01
Prix Niel
1 Vadamar M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 490 H.H. Aga Khan A.De Royer Dupre 58.150
2 Dordogne Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Cheik Hamdan Bin Mohamed Al Mak Ms. Johnston 67.187
3 King Of Arnor Gb M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 500 Ballygallon Stud Ltd A. Fabre 66.700
4 Al Kazeem Gb M.Ps. 3 Ans P1 58 *** Daniel John Deer Rj. Charlton 68.652
5 Meandre M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Famille Rothschild A. Fabre 403.990
6 Casamento Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 270.843
7 French Navy Gb M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 90.613
8 Genius Beast Usa M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 64.423
9 Nakayama Knight Jpn M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Shinichi Izumi Y. Ninomiya 886.684
10 Colombian Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans P1 58 *** Pcsse Haya De Jordanie J. Gosden 136.045
11 Seville Ger M.Ps. 3 Ans P1 58 *** M.Tabor/D.Smith/Mme J.Magnier Ap. O'brien 518.409
12 O'kelly Hammer Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans 58 360 Mme S. Magnier/M.Tabor/D. Smi A. Fabre 47.800
13 Pour Moi Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 555 Mme S. Magnier/D. Smith/M. Ta A. Fabre 927.478
14 Reliable Man (Gb) M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Pride Racing Club A.De Royer Dupre 954.680
Prix Vermeille
1 Midday Gb F.Ps. 5 Ans P2 58,5 *** Khalid Abdullah Hra. Cecil 1.275.004
2 Sarafina F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** S.A. Aga Khan A.De Royer Dupre 1.480.415
3 Vita Nova Ire F.Ps. 4 Ans P1 58,5 *** Cheik Sultan B.K. B.Z. Al Nahya Hra. Cecil 121.215
4 Snow Fairy Ire F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** Anamoine Limited Eal. Dunlop 2.408.388
5 Sarah Lynx Ire F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** Mme Robert G. Ehrnrooth J. Hammond (S) 125.360
6 Modeyra Gb F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** Godolphin S. Bin Suroor 29.866
7 Gertrude Bell Gb F.Ps. 4 Ans 58,5 Mme Rachel D.S. Hood J. Gosden
8 Meeznah Usa F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** Saif Ali/Saeed H. Altayer Dr. Lanigan 100.389
9 Shareta (Ire) F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** S.A. Aga Khan A.De Royer Dupre 96.100
10 Set To Music Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** S.M.R. D' Angleterre Mlw. Bell 42.051
11 La Pernelle (Ire) F.Ps. 3 Ans P1 54,5 *** Gerard Augustin-Normand Y.De Nicolay 59.500
12 Testosterone (Ire) F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Ecurie La Boetie P. Bary (S) 151.850
13 Golden Lilac Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Gestut Ammerland A. Fabre 853.820
14 Blue Bunting Usa F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 740.455
15 Rumh Ger F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Godolphin S. Bin Suroor 36.243
16 Wavering Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 505 Godolphin Snc A. Fabre 171.850
17 Dream Peace Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 510 Haras D'etreham R. Collet (S) 175.100
18 Misty For Me Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** M.Tabor/Mme J.Magnier/D.Smith Ap. O'brien 658.452
19 Wonder Of Wonders Usa F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** M.Tabor/Mme J.Magnier/D.Smith Ap. O'brien 193.540
20 Galikova F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Wertheimer & Frere F. Head (S) 499.890
Prix Foy
1 Marinous M.Ps. 5 Ans P2 58 *** Saeed Nasser Al Romaithi F. Head (S) 271.185
2 Lancelot M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Cheik Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al T F. Head (S) 131.345
3 St Nicholas Abbey Ire M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** D.Smith/Mme J.Magnier/M.Tabor Ap. O'brien 359.270
4 Windsor Palace Ire M.Ps. 6 Ans P1 58 *** D.Smith/Mme J.Magnier/M.Tabor Ap. O'brien 26.075
5 Prince Bishop Ire M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin S. Bin Suroor 149.336
6 Simon De Montfort Ire M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 121.384
7 Ley Hunter Usa M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin Snc A. Fabre 116.180
8 Silver Pond M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 530 Haras Du Quesnay C. Laffon-Parias 244.020
9 Fame And Glory Gb M.Ps. 5 Ans P2 58 *** Hay/Smith/Magnier/Tabor Ap. O'brien 755.315
10 Hiruno D'amour Jpn M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Masafumi Hirukawa M. Kon 2.979.471
11 Joshua Tree Ire M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** K.K. Al Nabboda/R.A. Albahou M. Botti 925.528
12 Zack Hall M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Mathieu Offenstadt M. Delzangles 118.024
13 Dangerous Midge Usa M.Ps. 5 Ans P2 58 *** Iraj Parvizi Bj. Meehan 1.232.129
14 City Leader Ire M.Ps. 6 Ans P2 58 *** Roldvale/Sangster/Collins Bj. Meehan 20.722
15 Sarafina F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 56,5 *** S.A. Aga Khan A.De Royer Dupre 1.480.415
If I may be allowed an early interpretation:
Niel
Negatives - no-shows from Nathaniel, Sea Moon and Baraan. I don't feel the market is taking into account the fact Nathaniel is not entered in the Arc and needs supplementing. He is entered in the Champion and surely they'd only consider the Arc if he dipped his toe with a run and win in the Niel. The Champion is the most valuable race ever run in the UK and personally I think this firmly indicates which way they're pointing. Sea Moon could, of course, go Leger/Arc but it's a tough trick to pull off and if they were serious about Longchamp surely it would be Niel/Arc for them. With Workforce still on course, Sea Moon is now more likely to go the Conduit route imo. Baraan's case is simple - they're clearly struggling with him unless it's a case of having one bullet to fire before he gets cute in the stalls again. Either way, 'tis not encouraging.
Positives - away from the obvious horses King Of Arnor is the standout entry. A slow-learner, he's really grown up of late displaying a lovely attitude to racing and progressing at a rate of knots. He was taken out of the GP de Deauville recently...whether that was due to a knock or a change or direction from the trainer is unclear, but he could fit the mould of that Fabre 3-y-o that comes from nowhere to lay down a serious Arc challenge. On the downside, he likes to be up there which is not ideal for the big one and also holds an entry in the Chaudenay on Arc weekend. As he needs supplementing nothing less than a Niel win would do. Vadamar was on a roll before being derailed in the Greffulhe (excuses) and being beaten in the Derby. If A de R-D has worked some magic he could come back, while Godolphin's French Navy remains a potential player in all the big races. Japanese 3-y-o Nakayama Knight is also clearly still on-course for the Arc.
Vermeille
No suprises really. I thought it quite interesting that Sarafina has also been put in the Foy, which may indicate what her team think of Shareta, who could get the green light here with her elder stablemate rerouted to the Foy. Blue Bunting is also in, probably a precaution, while Galikova and Golden Lilac also feature, although Golden Lilac is also in the Moulin and could drop down in trip. You'd have to think a run in the mile race would signal the end of her Arc challenge. Of the less obvious horses, Sarah Lynx seems very capable when onsong and Set To Music and Testosterone are improving. Both Sarah Lynx and Set To Music would need supplementing into the Arc if successful here, though. Personally I'd love to see Midday have a crack at the Arc (given a suitable ride) but she seems set for the Champion.
Foy
Big negative is the non-appearance of Nakayama Festa. Is this intentional or has there been a hiccup? I wouldn't touch him until that is cleared up as last year's campaign worked well and it would be odd to change it imo. The no shows of Bekhabad and Victoire Pisa (expected) also confirm those horses are highly unlikely to run in the Arc. Planteur's entry in the Moulin but not here supports the view that we've seen the last of him over 12f for a while. So You Think also gets the Moulin and not Foy entry, which may or may not be interesting (!), while Stoute is clearly going straight from King George to Arc again with Workforce (and why not).
Of those that are entered, the aforementioned Sarafina would be clear fav if making way for Shareta by lining up here. It's probably too early to give up on St Nic and things are still obviously on course with Hiruno D'Amour, who should be a shorter price for tha Arc than Nakayama F now imo. Zack Hall may also get one last chance to throw his hat in the ring but, like Dangerous Midge, his big end-of-season target may lie stateside. The Godolphin pair of Simon De Mont and Pince B could both have more to offer but need to get back on track and quickly (Simon runs tonight), while a few shroodies have talked up Silver Pond but a slow-run Foy would not play to his strengths and there appears to be no rush to get on just yet.
With the Moulin and Gladiateur also on the card this looks an amazing day's racing. Probably be one man and his dog there, as usual
.
1 Vadamar M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 490 H.H. Aga Khan A.De Royer Dupre 58.150
2 Dordogne Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Cheik Hamdan Bin Mohamed Al Mak Ms. Johnston 67.187
3 King Of Arnor Gb M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 500 Ballygallon Stud Ltd A. Fabre 66.700
4 Al Kazeem Gb M.Ps. 3 Ans P1 58 *** Daniel John Deer Rj. Charlton 68.652
5 Meandre M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Famille Rothschild A. Fabre 403.990
6 Casamento Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 270.843
7 French Navy Gb M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 90.613
8 Genius Beast Usa M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 64.423
9 Nakayama Knight Jpn M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Shinichi Izumi Y. Ninomiya 886.684
10 Colombian Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans P1 58 *** Pcsse Haya De Jordanie J. Gosden 136.045
11 Seville Ger M.Ps. 3 Ans P1 58 *** M.Tabor/D.Smith/Mme J.Magnier Ap. O'brien 518.409
12 O'kelly Hammer Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans 58 360 Mme S. Magnier/M.Tabor/D. Smi A. Fabre 47.800
13 Pour Moi Ire M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 555 Mme S. Magnier/D. Smith/M. Ta A. Fabre 927.478
14 Reliable Man (Gb) M.Ps. 3 Ans P2 58 *** Pride Racing Club A.De Royer Dupre 954.680
Prix Vermeille
1 Midday Gb F.Ps. 5 Ans P2 58,5 *** Khalid Abdullah Hra. Cecil 1.275.004
2 Sarafina F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** S.A. Aga Khan A.De Royer Dupre 1.480.415
3 Vita Nova Ire F.Ps. 4 Ans P1 58,5 *** Cheik Sultan B.K. B.Z. Al Nahya Hra. Cecil 121.215
4 Snow Fairy Ire F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** Anamoine Limited Eal. Dunlop 2.408.388
5 Sarah Lynx Ire F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** Mme Robert G. Ehrnrooth J. Hammond (S) 125.360
6 Modeyra Gb F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** Godolphin S. Bin Suroor 29.866
7 Gertrude Bell Gb F.Ps. 4 Ans 58,5 Mme Rachel D.S. Hood J. Gosden
8 Meeznah Usa F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58,5 *** Saif Ali/Saeed H. Altayer Dr. Lanigan 100.389
9 Shareta (Ire) F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** S.A. Aga Khan A.De Royer Dupre 96.100
10 Set To Music Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** S.M.R. D' Angleterre Mlw. Bell 42.051
11 La Pernelle (Ire) F.Ps. 3 Ans P1 54,5 *** Gerard Augustin-Normand Y.De Nicolay 59.500
12 Testosterone (Ire) F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Ecurie La Boetie P. Bary (S) 151.850
13 Golden Lilac Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Gestut Ammerland A. Fabre 853.820
14 Blue Bunting Usa F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 740.455
15 Rumh Ger F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Godolphin S. Bin Suroor 36.243
16 Wavering Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 505 Godolphin Snc A. Fabre 171.850
17 Dream Peace Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 510 Haras D'etreham R. Collet (S) 175.100
18 Misty For Me Ire F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** M.Tabor/Mme J.Magnier/D.Smith Ap. O'brien 658.452
19 Wonder Of Wonders Usa F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** M.Tabor/Mme J.Magnier/D.Smith Ap. O'brien 193.540
20 Galikova F.Ps. 3 Ans P2 54,5 *** Wertheimer & Frere F. Head (S) 499.890
Prix Foy
1 Marinous M.Ps. 5 Ans P2 58 *** Saeed Nasser Al Romaithi F. Head (S) 271.185
2 Lancelot M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Cheik Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al T F. Head (S) 131.345
3 St Nicholas Abbey Ire M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** D.Smith/Mme J.Magnier/M.Tabor Ap. O'brien 359.270
4 Windsor Palace Ire M.Ps. 6 Ans P1 58 *** D.Smith/Mme J.Magnier/M.Tabor Ap. O'brien 26.075
5 Prince Bishop Ire M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin S. Bin Suroor 149.336
6 Simon De Montfort Ire M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin M. Al Zarooni 121.384
7 Ley Hunter Usa M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Godolphin Snc A. Fabre 116.180
8 Silver Pond M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 530 Haras Du Quesnay C. Laffon-Parias 244.020
9 Fame And Glory Gb M.Ps. 5 Ans P2 58 *** Hay/Smith/Magnier/Tabor Ap. O'brien 755.315
10 Hiruno D'amour Jpn M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Masafumi Hirukawa M. Kon 2.979.471
11 Joshua Tree Ire M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** K.K. Al Nabboda/R.A. Albahou M. Botti 925.528
12 Zack Hall M.Ps. 4 Ans P2 58 *** Mathieu Offenstadt M. Delzangles 118.024
13 Dangerous Midge Usa M.Ps. 5 Ans P2 58 *** Iraj Parvizi Bj. Meehan 1.232.129
14 City Leader Ire M.Ps. 6 Ans P2 58 *** Roldvale/Sangster/Collins Bj. Meehan 20.722
15 Sarafina F.Ps. 4 Ans P2 56,5 *** S.A. Aga Khan A.De Royer Dupre 1.480.415
If I may be allowed an early interpretation:
Niel
Negatives - no-shows from Nathaniel, Sea Moon and Baraan. I don't feel the market is taking into account the fact Nathaniel is not entered in the Arc and needs supplementing. He is entered in the Champion and surely they'd only consider the Arc if he dipped his toe with a run and win in the Niel. The Champion is the most valuable race ever run in the UK and personally I think this firmly indicates which way they're pointing. Sea Moon could, of course, go Leger/Arc but it's a tough trick to pull off and if they were serious about Longchamp surely it would be Niel/Arc for them. With Workforce still on course, Sea Moon is now more likely to go the Conduit route imo. Baraan's case is simple - they're clearly struggling with him unless it's a case of having one bullet to fire before he gets cute in the stalls again. Either way, 'tis not encouraging.
Positives - away from the obvious horses King Of Arnor is the standout entry. A slow-learner, he's really grown up of late displaying a lovely attitude to racing and progressing at a rate of knots. He was taken out of the GP de Deauville recently...whether that was due to a knock or a change or direction from the trainer is unclear, but he could fit the mould of that Fabre 3-y-o that comes from nowhere to lay down a serious Arc challenge. On the downside, he likes to be up there which is not ideal for the big one and also holds an entry in the Chaudenay on Arc weekend. As he needs supplementing nothing less than a Niel win would do. Vadamar was on a roll before being derailed in the Greffulhe (excuses) and being beaten in the Derby. If A de R-D has worked some magic he could come back, while Godolphin's French Navy remains a potential player in all the big races. Japanese 3-y-o Nakayama Knight is also clearly still on-course for the Arc.
Vermeille
No suprises really. I thought it quite interesting that Sarafina has also been put in the Foy, which may indicate what her team think of Shareta, who could get the green light here with her elder stablemate rerouted to the Foy. Blue Bunting is also in, probably a precaution, while Galikova and Golden Lilac also feature, although Golden Lilac is also in the Moulin and could drop down in trip. You'd have to think a run in the mile race would signal the end of her Arc challenge. Of the less obvious horses, Sarah Lynx seems very capable when onsong and Set To Music and Testosterone are improving. Both Sarah Lynx and Set To Music would need supplementing into the Arc if successful here, though. Personally I'd love to see Midday have a crack at the Arc (given a suitable ride) but she seems set for the Champion.
Foy
Big negative is the non-appearance of Nakayama Festa. Is this intentional or has there been a hiccup? I wouldn't touch him until that is cleared up as last year's campaign worked well and it would be odd to change it imo. The no shows of Bekhabad and Victoire Pisa (expected) also confirm those horses are highly unlikely to run in the Arc. Planteur's entry in the Moulin but not here supports the view that we've seen the last of him over 12f for a while. So You Think also gets the Moulin and not Foy entry, which may or may not be interesting (!), while Stoute is clearly going straight from King George to Arc again with Workforce (and why not).
Of those that are entered, the aforementioned Sarafina would be clear fav if making way for Shareta by lining up here. It's probably too early to give up on St Nic and things are still obviously on course with Hiruno D'Amour, who should be a shorter price for tha Arc than Nakayama F now imo. Zack Hall may also get one last chance to throw his hat in the ring but, like Dangerous Midge, his big end-of-season target may lie stateside. The Godolphin pair of Simon De Mont and Pince B could both have more to offer but need to get back on track and quickly (Simon runs tonight), while a few shroodies have talked up Silver Pond but a slow-run Foy would not play to his strengths and there appears to be no rush to get on just yet.
With the Moulin and Gladiateur also on the card this looks an amazing day's racing. Probably be one man and his dog there, as usual
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I should also point out these entries were made on Wednesday morning so any subsequent setbacks to those engaged would not be obvious.
John Gosden said immediately after the King George he would go straight to the Arc with Nathaniel and have no run inbetween. I dont see the fact he has no prep run as a negative tbh, Workforce did it last year and Lamtarra also did it for Godolphin in 1995. The parallel is both horses won straight from the King George so is a positive for me.
I take your point about the Champion Stakes being incredibly vaulable, and they still need to pay the supplementary fee for the Arc, but they had no problem coughing up the £75k for the King George.
I take your point about the Champion Stakes being incredibly vaulable, and they still need to pay the supplementary fee for the Arc, but they had no problem coughing up the £75k for the King George.
Very fair point, sint. Of course, Gosden said after the King Edward that it was Leger and that went up in smoke so we have to tread carfeully. If it comes down to ground, as they've stated, Ascot is odds-on to be softer than Longchamp I'd have thought. This, added to the fact he's already got the 12f G1, would make sense to add a 10f one, has the track form and the Champion is going to be miles easier to win than the Arc means he's on the cold list for me but we'll see. I have no idea whether the family's Meandre, who also needs supplementing, could also force a reroute but it's tempting to think that may play a part if he comes thorugh the Niel with flying colours.
Alls well with N festa.Is in the trial and will run all being well.No setbacks and all going to plan.
Rather interesting, San Quentin. Do you know anything? My guess is either France Galop admin fooked up or the Japs forgot to put him in and he's been let in the backdoor.
Nakaz has suddenly appeared in the Foy entries anyway, where he certainly wasn't on Friday night.
Nakaz has suddenly appeared in the Foy entries anyway, where he certainly wasn't on Friday night.
Don't understand the money for him, baz. I wouldn't go near it unless supp'd for the Niel or confirmed on course for the Arc.
No I'm with you on not understanding, but a lot of strange things happen in this game.
One of the top trainers in Britain, if not the top, entered along
with the owner a horse for the DERBY as an unraced colt, between the entry and his 3yo career, he was withdrawn from the DERBY and had to be supplemented after his DEE STAKES win at Chester, but he did win the DERBY, trainer M. STOUTE, KRIS KIN.
I remember a secretary at one training establishment forgetting to enter a horse for a big handicap and they would not allow for the error.
One of the top trainers in Britain, if not the top, entered along
with the owner a horse for the DERBY as an unraced colt, between the entry and his 3yo career, he was withdrawn from the DERBY and had to be supplemented after his DEE STAKES win at Chester, but he did win the DERBY, trainer M. STOUTE, KRIS KIN.
I remember a secretary at one training establishment forgetting to enter a horse for a big handicap and they would not allow for the error.
Dunno,I haven't heard anything about him since the Prix du JC, and it's worrying that he's not entered in the Niel, especially as the Aga Khan already has Sarafina and Vadamar, who is entered in the Niel. I think they might just be waiting for next year with him, although his price on here is still pretty steady.
Maybe they want to go straight there with him incase he blows his chance coming out, or not coming out, the stalls.
did'nt know about baraan & the niel
although,thats an interesting point there sint...do the french have any bans in place for horses they dont come out of the stalls....if they do...it might point to an all or nothing aproach for the arc...
although,thats an interesting point there sint...do the french have any bans in place for horses they dont come out of the stalls....if they do...it might point to an all or nothing aproach for the arc...
first of all , thanks headmaster for this . secondly , remember these races have a habit of cutting up badly as cards are held / shown / bluffed etc ...thirdly , the results and , more importantly , the way the races are run ( as trials ) can put you off ...if you have a fancy now for the arc stick with it unless it runs really badly in the 'trials'....of course , some arc winners do not run in these at all anyway !
I am already bracing myself for a defeat for Sarafina in the Vermeille. She was beaten in it last year after having the summer off (same as this year), and was also taking on race-fit rivals in Midday & Plumania. To be beaten only 1.5 lengths in the circumstances is a very good effort imo. If the same happens again it wont bother me in the slightest.
Sarafina has 2.5 lengths to make up on Workforce from last years running, where we know she was nearly brought down during the race. I think she goes there with huge,huge chance and feel quite excited about it!
[:D]
For a 4yo, she is actually quite lightly race, having had just 8 starts. This is the same number for Workforce also, who has to be the main threat and probable Favourite.
Sarafina has 2.5 lengths to make up on Workforce from last years running, where we know she was nearly brought down during the race. I think she goes there with huge,huge chance and feel quite excited about it!
[:D]For a 4yo, she is actually quite lightly race, having had just 8 starts. This is the same number for Workforce also, who has to be the main threat and probable Favourite.
Sarafina will run in the Foy, it's a terrible race and she'll avoid Galikova. I'll be amazed if she takes on the 3yos.
Why would they want to avoid Galikova when St Nicholas Abbey is in the Foy? In any case the Arc is the target not the trial.
They're not avoiding Galikova - they're avoiding Shareta, I believe.
Agree on sarafina , will have easier trial in foy and they know all they have to beat , biggest danger a rough race and stumbling as last year
i can see why AP backers might be pleased by she doesnt scream "Back me" at the current price when we've still to see who might turn up
After 1st forf:
NIEL
1 vadamar
2 king of arnor
3 meandre
4 nakayama knight
5 colombian
6 seville
7 reliable man
VERMEILLE
1 sarafina
2 sarah lynx
3 shareta
4 testosterone
5 wavering
6 wonder of wonders
7 galikova
FOY
1 lancelot
2 st nicholas abbey
3 windsor palace
4 ley hunter
5 hiruno d'amour
6 nakayama festa
7 sarafina
NIEL
1 vadamar
2 king of arnor
3 meandre
4 nakayama knight
5 colombian
6 seville
7 reliable man
VERMEILLE
1 sarafina
2 sarah lynx
3 shareta
4 testosterone
5 wavering
6 wonder of wonders
7 galikova
FOY
1 lancelot
2 st nicholas abbey
3 windsor palace
4 ley hunter
5 hiruno d'amour
6 nakayama festa
7 sarafina
Assuming Sarafina goes for the Foy the race with SNA will be very interesting.
Yep - with the two Japs in there it should be very informative. Ground and pace will play a key part, of course, and if it was run in the traditional style we'd expect Sarafina to have the jump on St Nic, yes?
Nathaniel, the brilliant winner of this season’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by Betfair) and currently the highest-rated middle distance horse in the world, could end his season in the richest race ever to be run in Britain, the £1.3m QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot on Saturday 15 October.
Unraced since his impressive victory over last year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Workforce, at Ascot on 23 July, Nathaniel’s next assignment is this year’s Arc on Sunday 2 October.
A trip to Ascot for the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day, when Frankel will be in action in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, could then be on the cards for the colt who is rated 128 by the British handicappers.
"He's not having a race prior to the Arc to give us the option to go for the QIPCO Champion Stakes as well," explained Gosden today.
"Thirteen days between races is very tight and we'll have to assess how he is after Longchamp, but if you go into the Arc fresh, then you give yourself the chance to run in the Champion as well."
Unraced since his impressive victory over last year’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Workforce, at Ascot on 23 July, Nathaniel’s next assignment is this year’s Arc on Sunday 2 October.
A trip to Ascot for the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day, when Frankel will be in action in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, could then be on the cards for the colt who is rated 128 by the British handicappers.
"He's not having a race prior to the Arc to give us the option to go for the QIPCO Champion Stakes as well," explained Gosden today.
"Thirteen days between races is very tight and we'll have to assess how he is after Longchamp, but if you go into the Arc fresh, then you give yourself the chance to run in the Champion as well."
I don't know whether it'll be as easy for Sarafina as you guys think. Windsor Palace will be there to force a strong pace for SNA, and I fancy his chances of turning her over.
i dont think anybody would think this looks easy for Sarafina because well all know by now how she is trained and will be very much in need of the run and well below peek fitness,dont understand all the talk of SNA because he is clearly just a one pace plodder over 12f and has no chance,this looks ripe for the taking for nakayama festa as long as he is fit and ready to go
Don't think it will be necessarily be easy for Sarafina. As you say there should be pace and the Japanese horses don't usually hang around. SNA represents the UK 12f form and how Sarafins performs relative to him will tell us a lot.
As sint says,in all likelyhood Sarafina and St Nick will be undercooked, I personally would look for solid if unspectacular performances from them. The Prix Foy goes to one of the Japaneese raiders imho
I think this fitness issue might be a red herring chaps. We're only a month away so none of them are going to be badly undercooked, while none of them will be eyeballs out either, including the Japs. All in the same boat imo.
I get your point mate but a month would surely be plenty time to get a horse up to speed, especially if a trainer was using this race as part of that process? A no bet race for me with all the uncertainty.
Not sure what part of my post you don't realy agree with there, apc. They are all in the same boat, yes? 
If anything, I would expect the most improvement from trial to Arc from the Japanese horses, as the Euros have at least been in training and run hard at some point this season.
Think Nakayama was unfit for last year's Foy so very likely to be unfit now, especially after his long layoff. They'll be looking for a nice pipe-opener for him, nothing more. Why he is 33-1 and Workforce and Sarafina 5-1 I can't for the life of me understand.
I agree all will need the race BUT there is no way of knowing which horse will be most ready. Some may be 70% ready, others 90% fit.
Total guesswork imo and as such impossible to have a bet.
Looking forward to all the trials though
Looking forward to all the trials though
dtamutants, i've already said im expecting Sarafina to get beaten in her trial. She was last year after having nearly 3 months off beforehand which is the same siutation this year. Clearly, she is classy enough to win, and that would be a bonus, but I wont panic unless she is well beat and looks awful!
Foy looks fascinating. After 2nd Forf:
Foy
1 st nicholas abbey
2 hiruno d'amour
3 nakayama festa
4 sarafina
Niel
1 vadamar
2 king of arnor
3 meandre
4 nakayama knight
5 colombian
6 reliable man
Vermeille
1 sarah lynx
2 shareta
3 testosterone
4 wavering
5 wonder of wonders
6 galikova
Moulin looked a belter but has turned a little sour:
1 rajsaman
2 planteur
3 rio de la plata
4 handsome maestro
5 royal bench
6 zoffany
7 roderic o'connor
8 excelebration
9 tin horse
10 dubawi gold
Gladiateur
1 celtic celeb
2 brigantin
3 allied powers
4 flamingo fantasy
5 ley hunter
6 kasbah bliss
7 SILVER VALNY
8 aaim to prosper
9 TALGADO
10 TAC DE BOISTRON
11 shamanova
Foy
1 st nicholas abbey
2 hiruno d'amour
3 nakayama festa
4 sarafina
Niel
1 vadamar
2 king of arnor
3 meandre
4 nakayama knight
5 colombian
6 reliable man
Vermeille
1 sarah lynx
2 shareta
3 testosterone
4 wavering
5 wonder of wonders
6 galikova
Moulin looked a belter but has turned a little sour:
1 rajsaman
2 planteur
3 rio de la plata
4 handsome maestro
5 royal bench
6 zoffany
7 roderic o'connor
8 excelebration
9 tin horse
10 dubawi gold
Gladiateur
1 celtic celeb
2 brigantin
3 allied powers
4 flamingo fantasy
5 ley hunter
6 kasbah bliss
7 SILVER VALNY
8 aaim to prosper
9 TALGADO
10 TAC DE BOISTRON
11 shamanova
If the ground is desperate and the price is right I'll make Royal Bench my starting point there, sint. Tin Horse was unlucky at Deauville and could catch a few out too. Agree Excelebration should be fav and is the one to beat, though.
rio de la plata would interest me each way as long as the price is right
Final decs
Foy
1 st nicholas abbey SOUMILLON
2 hiruno d'amour FUJITA
3 nakayama festa NINOMIYA
4 sarafina LEMAIRE
Niel
1 vadamar LEMAIRE
2 king of arnor BOUDOT
3 meandre GUYON
4 nakayama knight NINOMIYA
5 colombian BUICK
6 reliable man MOSSE
Vermeille
1 sarah lynx DETTORI
2 shareta LEMAIRE
3 testosterone PASQUIER
4 wavering BARZALONA
5 wonder of wonders SOUMILLON
6 galikova PESLIER
Foy
1 st nicholas abbey SOUMILLON
2 hiruno d'amour FUJITA
3 nakayama festa NINOMIYA
4 sarafina LEMAIRE
Niel
1 vadamar LEMAIRE
2 king of arnor BOUDOT
3 meandre GUYON
4 nakayama knight NINOMIYA
5 colombian BUICK
6 reliable man MOSSE
Vermeille
1 sarah lynx DETTORI
2 shareta LEMAIRE
3 testosterone PASQUIER
4 wavering BARZALONA
5 wonder of wonders SOUMILLON
6 galikova PESLIER
Aidan O Briens Declared runners for France on Sunday,
Prix Foy; St Nicholas Abbey (Christophe Soumillon),
Prix Moulin; Zoffany (Gerard Mosse).
Prix Vermeille; Wonder Of Wonders (Christophe Soumillon).
Prix Foy; St Nicholas Abbey (Christophe Soumillon),
Prix Moulin; Zoffany (Gerard Mosse).
Prix Vermeille; Wonder Of Wonders (Christophe Soumillon).
Alain de Royer-Dupre has warned Sarafina is not at the peak of her powers ahead of Sunday's Qatar Prix Foy at Longchamp.
The four-year-old was an unlucky third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over course and distance last October, and Europe's premier middle-distance prize is firmly on her agenda again.
She has done nothing wrong so far this year, building on an encouraging comeback second to Planteur with two successes at Saint-Cloud.
But the latest of those victories, in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, was back in June, and her trainer believes his his star filly will improve significantly for this weekend's run.
"She is OK, but this is only preparation for the big race and she is not at her peak fitness," warned Royer-Dupre.
"I have been very happy with her this season and she has had a nice break since her last run at Saint-Cloud.
"She is in good form but she always needs her first run after a break, so I would expect her to improve. This is a trial."
Just four runners go to post, with Aidan O'Brien's St Nicholas Abbey joined by Japanese-trained pair of Hiruno D'Amour and last year's Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa.
Shingo Soma, from the Japan Racing Association, said: "Both horses had their final preparations for the trial in Chantilly and their trainers are very happy.
"Mitsugu Kon says Hiruno D'Amour is in very good condition and he worked with his training partner last Wednesday.
"Everything went very well and his connections are expecting a big run.
"Nakayama Festa was due to work last Wednesday also but his trainer Yoshitaka Ninomiya said the horse got a little excited, so he went somewhere else to work on his own.
"But Mr Ninomiya says he is very happy with the horse's preparation, so hopefully he will run well."
Galikova aims to open her account at the highest level and book her place in the Arc field in the Qatar Prix Vermeille.
Although narrowly beaten when favourite for the Prix de Diane, Freddie Head's filly oozed class when scoring at Deauville last time.
"I hope she can run well and I hope she can win, but it is a good race," said Head.
"It was a very good performance from her in Deauville and her preparation has gone very well since. Everything is fine.
"I think she will get the distance well and the ground should not be a problem, so we will see what happens.
"If she can win, then the Arc would be a possibility, of course."
Royer-Dupre is represented in the Vermeille by recent Deauville winner Shareta, but he believes Galikova is likely to prove too strong.
He said: "She is in very good condition and has done well this season, but this is very difficult competition.
"I hope she can run well but Galikova is going to be very difficult to beat."
Six runners have been declared for the Vermeille, with Wonder Of Wonders representing O'Brien.
The third major trial is the Qatar Prix Niel, in which Andre Fabre's Grand Prix de Paris winner Meandre takes top billing.
Fabre has trained seven previous winners of the Arc and with Epsom Derby hero Pour Moi now retired, Meandre looks to be his major hope for this year's renewal.
Fabre also saddles King Of Arnor in the Niel, while Royer-Dupre is represented by Reliable Man and Vadamar.
He said: "Reliable Man is very well and I hope he can run a good race and Vadamar is coming back from a break.
"The ground was too firm for him when he ran in the Epsom Derby and I hope there is more rain for him."
Completing a six-runner field is John Gosden's Colombian and the third potential Arc runner for Japan, Nakayama Knight.
The four-year-old was an unlucky third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over course and distance last October, and Europe's premier middle-distance prize is firmly on her agenda again.
She has done nothing wrong so far this year, building on an encouraging comeback second to Planteur with two successes at Saint-Cloud.
But the latest of those victories, in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, was back in June, and her trainer believes his his star filly will improve significantly for this weekend's run.
"She is OK, but this is only preparation for the big race and she is not at her peak fitness," warned Royer-Dupre.
"I have been very happy with her this season and she has had a nice break since her last run at Saint-Cloud.
"She is in good form but she always needs her first run after a break, so I would expect her to improve. This is a trial."
Just four runners go to post, with Aidan O'Brien's St Nicholas Abbey joined by Japanese-trained pair of Hiruno D'Amour and last year's Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa.
Shingo Soma, from the Japan Racing Association, said: "Both horses had their final preparations for the trial in Chantilly and their trainers are very happy.
"Mitsugu Kon says Hiruno D'Amour is in very good condition and he worked with his training partner last Wednesday.
"Everything went very well and his connections are expecting a big run.
"Nakayama Festa was due to work last Wednesday also but his trainer Yoshitaka Ninomiya said the horse got a little excited, so he went somewhere else to work on his own.
"But Mr Ninomiya says he is very happy with the horse's preparation, so hopefully he will run well."
Galikova aims to open her account at the highest level and book her place in the Arc field in the Qatar Prix Vermeille.
Although narrowly beaten when favourite for the Prix de Diane, Freddie Head's filly oozed class when scoring at Deauville last time.
"I hope she can run well and I hope she can win, but it is a good race," said Head.
"It was a very good performance from her in Deauville and her preparation has gone very well since. Everything is fine.
"I think she will get the distance well and the ground should not be a problem, so we will see what happens.
"If she can win, then the Arc would be a possibility, of course."
Royer-Dupre is represented in the Vermeille by recent Deauville winner Shareta, but he believes Galikova is likely to prove too strong.
He said: "She is in very good condition and has done well this season, but this is very difficult competition.
"I hope she can run well but Galikova is going to be very difficult to beat."
Six runners have been declared for the Vermeille, with Wonder Of Wonders representing O'Brien.
The third major trial is the Qatar Prix Niel, in which Andre Fabre's Grand Prix de Paris winner Meandre takes top billing.
Fabre has trained seven previous winners of the Arc and with Epsom Derby hero Pour Moi now retired, Meandre looks to be his major hope for this year's renewal.
Fabre also saddles King Of Arnor in the Niel, while Royer-Dupre is represented by Reliable Man and Vadamar.
He said: "Reliable Man is very well and I hope he can run a good race and Vadamar is coming back from a break.
"The ground was too firm for him when he ran in the Epsom Derby and I hope there is more rain for him."
Completing a six-runner field is John Gosden's Colombian and the third potential Arc runner for Japan, Nakayama Knight.
Of the first 26 horses in Betfair's Arc market, 19 run somewhee this weekend.
Potential carnage iyo?
Potential carnage iyo?
Paris-Turf says soft, Racing Post good-soft, zeturf good. Take your pick. Could easily be good-firm.
Jaysus. That's ridiculous.
Best to wait for the first race.imo
Best to wait for the first race.imo
It's disappointing that Goldikova and Immortal Verse aren't running as I was looking forward to a tasty price on Excelebration, nevertheless, I make him an odds chance here so he's well worth a bet. Clocked a huge speed figure from me in the Hungerford, only Frankel has recorded better this season, if he's in the same form today the others don't have a chance.
i still think SNA has a chance,or is he just ungenuine?looks to have bundles of ability without showing us 
Hiruno D'Amour and Sarafina both look good.
very tender ride on Hiruno. Will be a good win bet if he gets FIRM ground on the day.
Sarafina...perfect prep regardless of whatever the stewards do.
very tender ride on Hiruno. Will be a good win bet if he gets FIRM ground on the day.
Sarafina...perfect prep regardless of whatever the stewards do.
Nakayama should drop in class for the Prix Dollar...dont expect him to win. SNA should just head straight to Canada for the International and then the BC Turf. There'll be a few too good for him in the Arc. Had the run today and still lost.
I dunno about Nakayama ELG. It'd beed off for 10 months and clearly revelled in the softer going last year in the arc. If it's a softer ground arc it could easily have strong place claims IMO.
Reliable Man in the box seat all the way. first run on Meandre. interesting.
I'm pretty happy with that tbh, a very slowly run race and hopefully Fabre has left plenty to work on
The owner of Meandre has said the Fabre yard has had a virus recently..
re Sarafina, hard not to be impressed, she won under hands and heels. But I dont see why stan james have gone 5/2. 4/1 is about right. And I think some of these french jockeys are overrated big time. Lemaire was very luck there today.
well done Figgis with Excellebration. Top price this morning was 7/4 with PP's. PMU was 5.0!!
re Sarafina, hard not to be impressed, she won under hands and heels. But I dont see why stan james have gone 5/2. 4/1 is about right. And I think some of these french jockeys are overrated big time. Lemaire was very luck there today.
well done Figgis with Excellebration. Top price this morning was 7/4 with PP's. PMU was 5.0!!
SARAFINA overcame a traumatic path in running to force her way between horses from a difficult position en route to scoring in her Prix l'Arc de Triomphe trial in the Prix Foy.
After Christophe Lemaire put the hearts in mouths of the filly's supporters with a daring ride, they had to endure a stewards' inquiry as officials at Longchamp looked into possible interference involving the winner and the runner-up.
The result stood and Sarafina is now just 5-2 for Arc with Stan James, although she is unchanged at 4-1 with Paddy Power.
Last year's Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa cut out the running, setting a solid gallop with St Nicholas Abbey in second and Sarafina held up in last. Entering the home straight, St Nicholas Abbey laid down his challenge as the first two formed a wall in front of the strong travelling Sarafina.
With Hiruno D'Amour on her outside, Lemaire looked shortof room, but after bumping his way out slightly, he managed to make a gap that was not really there and when the filly got her run, she quickened impressively, seeing of Group 1 winners with ease under a hands-and-heels ride.
Winning trainer Alain de Royer Dupre said: "That's exactly what we wanted. She didn't have a hard race and she found a lot at the finish.
"She was fresh today but will not be in three weeks time. We're generally pleased with the race."
After Christophe Lemaire put the hearts in mouths of the filly's supporters with a daring ride, they had to endure a stewards' inquiry as officials at Longchamp looked into possible interference involving the winner and the runner-up.
The result stood and Sarafina is now just 5-2 for Arc with Stan James, although she is unchanged at 4-1 with Paddy Power.
Last year's Arc runner-up Nakayama Festa cut out the running, setting a solid gallop with St Nicholas Abbey in second and Sarafina held up in last. Entering the home straight, St Nicholas Abbey laid down his challenge as the first two formed a wall in front of the strong travelling Sarafina.
With Hiruno D'Amour on her outside, Lemaire looked shortof room, but after bumping his way out slightly, he managed to make a gap that was not really there and when the filly got her run, she quickened impressively, seeing of Group 1 winners with ease under a hands-and-heels ride.
Winning trainer Alain de Royer Dupre said: "That's exactly what we wanted. She didn't have a hard race and she found a lot at the finish.
"She was fresh today but will not be in three weeks time. We're generally pleased with the race."
Qatar Prix Niel (Group 2) 1m4f, 3yo colts & fillies
THE Prix du Jockey Club winner Reliable Man bounced back to his best as he comprehensively beat his Grand Prix de Parisconqueror Meandre to give trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre a quickfire double following Sarafina's success in the Prix Foy.
Reliable Man is entered in the Arc and will now try and become the 12th Niel winner to go on and land the big one since this race became exclusive to the Classic generation in 1955.
Paddy Power chopped the winner's price into 7-1 from 16-1 for the Qatar-sponsored Arc, which takes place on October 2.
Royer Dupre said: "Theground was too firm for him in the Grand Prix de Paris and he didn't come down the hill well. He came with a good run here and has the action of a top horse."
Meandre only just held on for second from the winner's stablemate Vadamar. The John Gosden-trained Colombian ran to form to finish fourth.
Meandre, who does not hold an Arc entry, was sent off favourite to confirm form with theFrench Derby winner from their meeting over course and distance here in July, but he was comprehensively beaten by Reliable Man, who was ridden more prominently than he had been in the Grand Prix.
The change of tactic paid dividends as the 3-5 favourite simply could not get near him once winning rider Gerald Mosse pressed the button on the Dalakhani colt.
Meandre part-owner Edouard de Rothschild said: "We know Andre Fabre had a virus in the stable and Meandre was in the box next door and ran a temperature a couple of weeks ago and missed a gallop.
"It was also a very slowly run race and it was mildly disappointing. We'll see how he eats after this and make a decision after."
The Aga Khan's Vadamar ran an eyecatching race in third. He is entered for the Arc, but it sounds unlikely he will take his chance.
"Vadamar ran very well and will go for the Prix du Conseil de Paris two weeks afterthe Arc," said Royer-Dupre.
THE Prix du Jockey Club winner Reliable Man bounced back to his best as he comprehensively beat his Grand Prix de Parisconqueror Meandre to give trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre a quickfire double following Sarafina's success in the Prix Foy.
Reliable Man is entered in the Arc and will now try and become the 12th Niel winner to go on and land the big one since this race became exclusive to the Classic generation in 1955.
Paddy Power chopped the winner's price into 7-1 from 16-1 for the Qatar-sponsored Arc, which takes place on October 2.
Royer Dupre said: "Theground was too firm for him in the Grand Prix de Paris and he didn't come down the hill well. He came with a good run here and has the action of a top horse."
Meandre only just held on for second from the winner's stablemate Vadamar. The John Gosden-trained Colombian ran to form to finish fourth.
Meandre, who does not hold an Arc entry, was sent off favourite to confirm form with theFrench Derby winner from their meeting over course and distance here in July, but he was comprehensively beaten by Reliable Man, who was ridden more prominently than he had been in the Grand Prix.
The change of tactic paid dividends as the 3-5 favourite simply could not get near him once winning rider Gerald Mosse pressed the button on the Dalakhani colt.
Meandre part-owner Edouard de Rothschild said: "We know Andre Fabre had a virus in the stable and Meandre was in the box next door and ran a temperature a couple of weeks ago and missed a gallop.
"It was also a very slowly run race and it was mildly disappointing. We'll see how he eats after this and make a decision after."
The Aga Khan's Vadamar ran an eyecatching race in third. He is entered for the Arc, but it sounds unlikely he will take his chance.
"Vadamar ran very well and will go for the Prix du Conseil de Paris two weeks afterthe Arc," said Royer-Dupre.
Probably shift Vadamar's attention to the Hong Kong Vase. Aga Khan always plots 1 or 2 good wons for that.
Galikova looked good there....kicking off a slow pace on very soft ground. nice.
Galikova looked good there....kicking off a slow pace on very soft ground. nice.
Elg, no way was that a slow pace. It looked very strongly run to me and Lemaire only slowed it down on the bend.
Galikova does not have an instant turn of foot. She seems to wind it up and then pick up,imo.
Galikova does not have an instant turn of foot. She seems to wind it up and then pick up,imo.
Alain Du Royer Dupre has got a good line into the Arc.
He'll know where he stands with all the French runners, via Shareta and Reliable Man.
He'll know where he stands with all the French runners, via Shareta and Reliable Man.
Sarafina squeezed through a small gap to win the Qatar Prix Foy at Longchamp.
Christophe Lemaire settled last year's Arc third in last place as Nakayama Festa set a generous early pace.
The pair were still last of the quartet as St Nicholas Abbey joined issue with the leader over two furlongs out and Hiruno D'Amour made his bid for glory at the same time as the favourite.
It was very tight for Sarafina who showed a neat turn of foot to go to the front in the final 100 yards but she leant in on her rival to get a gap.
However the stewards allowed the result to stand after a short enquiry.
St Nicholas Abbey was back in third with the trailblazing Nakayama Festa last of four.
Sky Bet reacted by making Sarafina 7-2 favourite (from 4-1) to win the Arc next month.
The owner of the winner, the Aga Khan, said: "She's been very keen in her races before and the main thing we are trying to do is get her settled.
"She'd prefer a faster run race as they went quick early but then slowed down. It's always going to be a fast pace in the Arc.
"She's from a family that you have to wait a long time for, that's the nature of the game."
O'Brien said of St Nicholas Abbey, who finished third: "We're happy with him, he was fresh beforehand but he ran well. He'd have preferred a stronger pace.
"We came here with the idea of looking at the Arc and now we'll go home and digest it."
He added of So You Think, prominent in the betting for the Arc: "It's a way off still and it hasn't been decided whether he'll run in the Arc."
Christophe Lemaire settled last year's Arc third in last place as Nakayama Festa set a generous early pace.
The pair were still last of the quartet as St Nicholas Abbey joined issue with the leader over two furlongs out and Hiruno D'Amour made his bid for glory at the same time as the favourite.
It was very tight for Sarafina who showed a neat turn of foot to go to the front in the final 100 yards but she leant in on her rival to get a gap.
However the stewards allowed the result to stand after a short enquiry.
St Nicholas Abbey was back in third with the trailblazing Nakayama Festa last of four.
Sky Bet reacted by making Sarafina 7-2 favourite (from 4-1) to win the Arc next month.
The owner of the winner, the Aga Khan, said: "She's been very keen in her races before and the main thing we are trying to do is get her settled.
"She'd prefer a faster run race as they went quick early but then slowed down. It's always going to be a fast pace in the Arc.
"She's from a family that you have to wait a long time for, that's the nature of the game."
O'Brien said of St Nicholas Abbey, who finished third: "We're happy with him, he was fresh beforehand but he ran well. He'd have preferred a stronger pace.
"We came here with the idea of looking at the Arc and now we'll go home and digest it."
He added of So You Think, prominent in the betting for the Arc: "It's a way off still and it hasn't been decided whether he'll run in the Arc."
Galikova was a very taking winner of the Qatar Prix Vermeille at Longchamp.
A Galileo half-sister to the brilliant Goldikova, there had been concerns the testing ground would be an issue but she made light of the underfoot conditions.
Shareta tried to make all under Christophe Lemaire and kicked off the final turn. At that stage Galikova got a couple of reminders from Olivier Peslier but soon engaged top gear to sweep to the front and win well.
Testosterone came through to snatch second from Shareta while Aidan O'Brien's Wonder Of Wonders folded tamely after racing in second until the closing stages.
Head said of his two-and-a-half-length winner: "I am very happy. I liked the way she finished, she was flying at the end.
"There was no pace, but Olivier liked her better than at Deauville.
"She'll stay in training next year and we'll go for the Arc if all goes well."
Sky Bet cut the winner to 7s from 10s for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
A Galileo half-sister to the brilliant Goldikova, there had been concerns the testing ground would be an issue but she made light of the underfoot conditions.
Shareta tried to make all under Christophe Lemaire and kicked off the final turn. At that stage Galikova got a couple of reminders from Olivier Peslier but soon engaged top gear to sweep to the front and win well.
Testosterone came through to snatch second from Shareta while Aidan O'Brien's Wonder Of Wonders folded tamely after racing in second until the closing stages.
Head said of his two-and-a-half-length winner: "I am very happy. I liked the way she finished, she was flying at the end.
"There was no pace, but Olivier liked her better than at Deauville.
"She'll stay in training next year and we'll go for the Arc if all goes well."
Sky Bet cut the winner to 7s from 10s for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Nice of connections to mention a stable virus after Meandre's run.
I put on a few more quid pre race for the Arc but I probably wouldn't have bothered if I knew that info[>o]
Tbf he didn't run like there was anything wrong with him but imo that will be their excuse if they don't supplement him for the race
I put on a few more quid pre race for the Arc but I probably wouldn't have bothered if I knew that info[>o]
Tbf he didn't run like there was anything wrong with him but imo that will be their excuse if they don't supplement him for the race
The virus was reported in Racing Post about Wednesday or Thursday.
meandre still has a shout imo
if virus rumours are true that was a fair run
pulled quite hard early and wasnt given anything like a hard time at anypoint (fair enough in a trial)
the **** horse that finished second last season might be the massive priced one again? looked really unfit worryingly so and ran like a training run
if virus rumours are true that was a fair run
pulled quite hard early and wasnt given anything like a hard time at anypoint (fair enough in a trial)
the **** horse that finished second last season might be the massive priced one again? looked really unfit worryingly so and ran like a training run
Cheers bazzar, no one to blame but myself then
Might see if I can bag some tasty odds for him on here.
Might see if I can bag some tasty odds for him on here.
I liked Sarafina's performance today, she beat the useful marker horse Sna well. Probably unlucky not to go
very close in last years Arc she's got every chance this year's. She's no world beater though and 4/1 is probably a fair enough price. Wasn't keen on any of the other trails and doubt any who ran in them will
figure in the Arc.
very close in last years Arc she's got every chance this year's. She's no world beater though and 4/1 is probably a fair enough price. Wasn't keen on any of the other trails and doubt any who ran in them will
figure in the Arc.
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