Handicappers hoping for dream clash

EUROPE'S handicappers are dreaming of a mouth-watering clash between Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Hurricane Run and Japanese Triple Crown winner Deep Impact in the Longchamp showpiece in October.

Hurricane Run was rated the world's best racehorse of 2005 having been accorded a mark of 130 in the World Thoroughbred Rankings revealed yesterday, mainly through his stunning victory against older horses in Paris.

Bought by Coolmore and Michael Tabor shortly before winning the Irish Derby, the Andre Fabre-trained colt was beaten only once, when failing by a neck to catch Shamardal in the French Derby over a mile and a quarter, the first time the Classic had been run over a shorter trip.