Navigator sinks in Longchamp mud
Aidan O’Brien was out to capture his 19th top-flight win of the campaign with the dual Guineas winner, but was derailed by the Frenchman – himself enjoying his most successful season to date.
Wins from Marchand D’Or and Tamayuz have made 2008 gilt-edged for Head, and Goldikova followed up her Group One win in Deauville by claiming the scalp of the leading miler of the Classic generation.
The omens were not good for Henrythenavigator when he was given a coffin-box draw on the wide outside in stall 11.
O’Brien also walked the track a little over 30 minutes before the race to check its suitability for his fast-ground-loving colt.
After deciding to race, Johnny Murtagh’s mount was to the rear in the early stages and despite staying on determinedly passing the stands, he fared no better than fifth.
O’Brien said: “It was a very close call to make about him running as we know that Henry loves fast ground.
“He has ran a good race but the top was coming off the ground.
“Johnny said he laboured a little on it and he wasn’t able to get hold of it as he normally can.
“He is a fast-ground horse and speed is his big attribute, but that was blunted and he could never get into top gear.
“We’ll have a look at options now and we will have to consider Ascot for the QEII, and longer term the Breeders’ Cup.”
Ladbrokes make Henrythenavigator their 4-1 favourite for the Breeders’ Cup Mile, with Goldikova next best at 5-1.
The latter has twice been beaten by the unstoppable Zarkava this summer, and the three-year-old raced handily under Olivier Peslier before quickening running to the line to hold Darjina by half a length.
Head said of the 3-1 winner: “She loves the course here and was second in the French Guineas.
“She has a lot of speed and can cruise along very quickly.
“I knew she was well and ready to run a big race. She was against the colts for the first time and I wasn’t certain she could win but I was certain of her well-being and quality.
“She will definitely go the Breeders’ Cup now, but I will discuss the options with the owner. She could go for the Mile or the Filly and Mare Turf – I don’t think stamina would be a problem for the latter.”
