Taghrooda bidding to follow Treve lead in Arc
Treve became the first horse since Dalakhani (stall 14) in 2003 to strike from a double-figure starting berth 12 months ago, negotiating a path from stall 15 to a truly breathtaking victory.
Investec Oaks winner Taghrooda showed she is well up to mixing it against the boys and her elders when slamming her opponents in the King George at Ascot in July and she, too, will be loaded into gate 15 ahead of what looks very likely to be her swansong.
Angus Gold, racing manager for Taghrooda’s owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, said: “I believe she is drawn in the same place Treve was 12 months ago, so let’s hope we can get the same result.
“At the end of the day we are where we are. We’ll take what we’re given and there is no point making a fuss about it.
“We might be better where we are than being stuck on the inside, but who knows? So much will depend on how the race is run.”
Following her mesmerising triumph at Longchamp a year ago, few would have believed Treve would return to defend her crown at double-figure odds, but that is the case following a largely forgettable campaign.
While there was no disgrace in her narrow defeat at the hands of esteemed compatriot Cirrus Des Aigles on her seasonal bow, she looked out of sorts at Royal Ascot and again when only fourth in last month’s Prix Vermeille.
She undoubtedly has plenty to prove back at the scene of her greatest triumph, but has seemingly fared well in the draw with stall three and there appears to be renewed confidence from trainer Criquette Head-Maarek.
Harry Herbert, racing manager for owner Sheikh Joaan’s Al Shaqab Racing operation, said: “Criquette is certainly very happy with Treve and by all reports her last piece of work was extremely good. She showed that old Treve burst and finishing kick and everyone is very pleased with where she’s at coming into the race.
“I wouldn’t want to see the ground too quick for her, but what will be will be and we’ll hope for the best.”
Treve is just one of three serious contenders for the Al Shaqab team, with Prix Niel winner Ectot, trained by Elie Lellouche, and Aidan O’Brien’s Prix Foy scorer Ruler Of The World also in the mix.
Ruler Of The World, last year’s Derby hero, will be partnered by Frankie Dettori.
“Ectot is drawn 10, which looks a good draw and he seems to go on any ground. We’ll know more about him on Sunday evening,” said Herbert.
“I saw Aidan at the sales earlier in the week and he seems very pleased with Ruler Of The World (stall six) heading into the race.
“He won his trial well and the feeling is he’ll strip fitter and harder for the run. It’s a huge race and a huge weekend for Qatar and Sheikh Joaan.”
O’Brien also runs Chicquita, who has plenty on her plate from stall 18 in the hands of the trainer’s son, Joseph, as well as Ryan Moore’s mount Tapestry (stall eight).
