Bell outlines Motivator plans

Motivator is set for a few days on the easy list before beginning his build up to next month’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Trainer Michael Bell reports the Vodafone Derby winner to be in fine form after his highly-creditable second to Oratorio in yesterday’s Baileys Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Motivator was beaten half a length by the winner, who had also prevailed by the same distance in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July.

Bell was delighted with the Montjeu colt and is now looking forward to tackling the mile-and-a-half showpiece in Paris.

“He’s on his way back this morning but I spoke to my travelling head lad and he said he’s eaten up well and is absolutely fine,” said Bell.

“We will give him a couple of easy days now and then we will line him up for Paris.

“He put in a very good run and I certainly think that’s the best race I have been involved in. He’s proved he is a very good horse at a mile and a quarter.

“Hopefully, he will now get his optimum ground back over his optimum trip in Paris and let’s hope he can collect the spoils.”

Motivator is a best-priced 5-1 with Coral for the French event on October 2.