Godolphin hopeful for Arc bid
Godolphin believe that Marienbard is capable of a big run in the Prix de l‘Arc de Triomphe-Lucien Barriere at Longchamp on Sunday.
The five-year-old is in the form of his life, having picked up Group One prizes on his last two starts, both in Germany.
“He‘s improved with age and we are very hopeful that he can hit the board on Sunday but we don‘t know if he can hit the bullseye. We are hopeful of him making the frame.
“He‘s peaking at the right time. He did his last bit of work this morning and all is set fair. He‘s at the best he has been all season,” Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told attheraces today.
Frankie Dettori will partner Marienbard who will be Godolphin‘s sole contender as last year’s winner Sakhee did not make today’s first acceptance stage.
“Sakhee is doing very well but we are waiting for the ground to soften and he won’t get that on Sunday,” added Crisford.
A decision on whether Nayef represents Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum, owner of last year’s winner Sakhee, will be made in the next couple of days.
”He‘s been left in at today’s stage and we will sit down and discuss it in the next couple of days with Sheikh Hamdan,” said the owner’s racing manager Angus Gold.
Trainer Marcus Tregoning added: “Nayef did his main work at Lingfield on Saturday and this morning it was just routine stuff at home.
“He’s in great form and is ready to go but we shall unravel it all tomorrow evening.
“It is up to Sheikh Hamdan but I admit that if he ran in the Arc he must have an outstanding chance.”
Aidan O‘Brien today reported that all was well with High Chaparral – the dual Derby winner having missed the Prix Niel because of a poor blood picture.
“So far so good. The horse seems fine,” said the Irish trainer, who may also saddle Galileo‘s brother Black Sam Bellamy
O‘Brien‘s other three acceptors – Sholokhov, Quarter Moon and Sorcerous – are doubtful starters.
Sholokhov ran at Ascot last Saturday, Sorcerous is declared to run in the Listed Unicoin Homes Noel Murless Stakes at Newmarket tomorrow and Quarter Moon may be re-routed to the Prix de l‘Opera on the same card.
There were three other British-trained horses among the 24 left in at today’s first acceptance stage – Indian Creek (David Elsworth), Asian Heights (Geoff Wragg), and Islington (Sir Michael Stoute).
Ana Marie, who chased home the impressive Pearly Shells in the Prix Vermeille, will take her chance.
Trainer Philippe Demercastel said: “Ana Marie worked this morning and runs in the Arc. Everything’s fine with her.
“If anything I think she’s improved since her second in the Vermeille. That was a semi-comeback for her as I’d more or less left her alone since her previous run. Some rain would be nice.”
Anabaa Blue, unplaced in the Arc last year and coming off a creditable second to Aquarelliste in the Prix Foy, is also on course.
Trainer Carlos Lerner said: “Anabaa Blue had a work-out this morning and pleased me a lot. He’s in great shape and has come out of the Prix Foy really well.
“There wasn’t a great deal of pace in that race, so it wasn’t run to suit him. Having his regular jockey Christophe Soumillion riding is a big bonus.”
Alan Cooper, the Niarchos family racing manager, said that Tau Ceti could be re-routed elsewhere.
The stable can in any case rely on the favourite Sulamani, winner of the French Derby and the Prix Niel.
He said: “Tau Ceti worked this morning. We’re leaning towards supplementing him for the Prix Dollar, although he’ll be left in the Arc at tomorrow’s forfeit stage. “
Trainer Marcel Rolland has confirmed that he will field the much improved former claimer Fair Mix who is coming off a win in the Group Three La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte.
“Fair Mix runs and the Ecurie Weekend runner will be my first runner in the Arc. Stephane Pasquier rides,” he said.
The ground at Longchamp today was 3.3 (good to soft), but is expected to dry out.
Prix De l’Arc De Triomphe-Lucien Barriere betting:
Coral: 7-4 (from 2-1) Sulamani, 5-2 (from 9-4) High Chaparral, 6-1 Nayef, 8-1 Aquarelliste, 9-1 Golan, Islington, Marienbard, 10-1 Manhattan Cafe, 14-1 Asian Heights, 20-1 Falbrav, Wellbeing, 25-1 bar.
William Hill: 7-4 Sulamani, 5-2 High Chaparral, 5-1 Golan (with a run), 7-1 Marienbard, 8-1 Aquarelliste, Nayef, 10-1 Islington, Manhattan Café, 12-1 Asian Heights, 16-1 Falbrav (from 20-1), 25-1 bar.
Tote: 7-4 Sulamani, 5-2 High Chaparral, 8-1 Aquarelliste, Islington, Nayef, 10-1 Manhattan Cafe, Marienbard, 14-1 Asian Heights, 16-1 Falbrav, 20-1 Bright Sky, Wellbeing, 25-1 bar.
Ladbrokes: 2-1 Sulamani, 11-4 (from 5-2) High Chaparral, 6-1 Nayef, 8-1 (from 10-1) Aquarelliste, 8-1 Islington, Marienbard, 10-1 Manhatten Café, 16-1 Asian Heights, 20-1 Falbrav, 25-1 bar.
