Chaparral team happy ahead of Arc

Dual Derby winner High Chaparral was confirmed on course for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere at Longchamp on Sunday after his latest blood tests satisfied the Ballydoyle team.

Aidan O’Brien’s colt has not been seen in racecourse action since his victory at the Curragh at the end of June after the stable’s inmates were affected by a bout of coughing.

And High Chaparral has missed two recent possible engagements due to a poor blood picture.

But O’Brien said: “High Chaparral is as ready as we could have him without a prep run which we would obviously have preferred.

“He’s a clear-winded horse and his work has been exceptional this year. We are just happy to go there and are hoping he runs a nice race.”

The champion trainer is not too concerned over the underfoot conditions at Longchamp, currently described as good to soft, but expected to dry out by Sunday.

High Chaparral’s Vodafone Derby success was gained on good to soft going.

He said: “I wouldn’t worry too much about him if the ground was fast, he handled it well at Leopardstown.”

O’Brien also runs Black Sam Bellamy and he added: “Black Sam Bellamy is running on his merits. There is a pacemaker in for Sulamani so I don’t think that will be a worry.”

High Chaparral, Michael Kinane’s mount, has a favoured inside draw in stall five while his stable companion races out of box 11.

Bookmakers William Hill have promoted High Chaparral to 15-8 favourite for the Longchamp spectacular.