Goldi primed for Queen Anne clash
The dual Breeders’ Cup Mile heroine may be favourite at 13-8 with Stan James to land her ninth Group One, but she faces extremely tough competition headed by last year’s winner Paco Boy and Rip Van Winkle.
“I think she is very well and I have her in very good condition. Everything has been going to plan since her last run and I expect her to run a great race on Tuesday,” said Head.
“It is hard to say if she is better than ever as she has been so good, but I would think she is in the best shape I have ever had her.
“She won the Prix d’Ispahan over nine furlongs last time, but a mile is her distance. She is a real miler.
“I am happy with being drawn in stall one. Olivier (Peslier) will do his best. She is an easy to ride, you can do whatever you want with her. What we want is a clear run and I hope she runs her best.
“I didn’t want to run a pacemaker in the race. I didn’t have anything that could go and it’s not a must.
“You can put her where you like and she has a very good turn of foot too.
“I know she will have to be at her best. It’s not a walkover – we know it’s a top-class race.
“I’ve got no problem with her at the start. She has been going into the stalls since her last race.
“Everything has been OK and she has run in England before and I think she will behave well.
“I am very hopeful she is in the best form and I think she will run a cracking race.
“I would love to win at Royal Ascot. I haven’t been lucky there but I think she will turn things around,” the French trainer told At The Races.
While Head is not worried about her behaviour at the start jockey Olivier Peslier admits he is slightly concerned.
“Obviously she has won eight Group Ones and Paco Boy is a very strong horse, but mine broke the record last time for a mile and a furlong,” said Peslier.
“It depends how she starts how I will ride her in the race. It also depends on the pace if I ride her near the front or at the back.
“Just before the start, she’s not easy to get in the gate. That’s the only point that is tricky with her.”
Richard Hannon’s Paco Boy confirmed his well-being when put through his paces on Sunday morning.
“Paco Boy worked well with Lucky General this morning and is in great shape for his clash with Goldikova and Rip Van Winkle in the Queen Anne Stakes, which should be a humdinger of an opener to the meeting,” the trainer told his website, www.richardhannonracing.tv.
Aidan O’Brien feels Rip Van Winkle may need the run, his first since he was unplaced in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita in November.
“He’s working really well but I’m a little bit worried about his fitness as he has not had a run,” he said.
“The way our other horses came forward after a run would suggest he should improve.”
