Vinnie to take chance in Arc
Vinnie Roe, who landed an historic third successive victory in the Irish Irish Field St Leger at the Curragh on Saturday, will definitely head to Longchamp next month .
Trainer Dermot Weld believes his tough five-year-old deserves to take his chance in the Arc next month.
“He’s come out of the race very well,” Weld said yesterday. “He’s now won nine of his last 11 and we feel he’s entitled to a crack at it.
“The ground won’t be a worry whatever it comes up and although some people might think he hasn’t much of chance, I believe we go there with confidence and if there’s cut he’ll be there when the money’s been given out.
“We would have the option of him going into quarantine that night for the Melbourne Cup but at this stage we would be looking more towards the Canadian International two weeks later.”
Weld confirmed that his star miler Refuse To Bend is still on course for the Breeders’ Cup Mile, despite a below-par showing in the Prix du Moulin on his last start.
Saturday's Seabiscuit St Leger winner Brian Boru could join High Chaparral and Vinnie Roe in the Arc. The alternative for Brian Boru is the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita.
“Wherever he goes, he would love a race with a strong pace, and we’ll look at the Arc or the Breeders’ Cup Turf,” said trainer Aidan O'Brien.
“High Chaparral was a bit stiff after Leopardstown, but was getting better as the week went on and he did a little bit. We’ll see how he comes along.”
O’Brien added that Irish Field St Leger third Powerscourt would head for the Canadian International at Woodbine in Toronto.
