Lemaire: Star can shine in Cup

Christophe Lemaire believes the tight turns of Belmont Park will hold no fears for Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Starcraft in the Breeders’ Cup Mile on October 29.

The Frenchman will continue his association with Luca Cumani’s five-year-old after the pair lowered the colours of Dubawi at Newmarket last month, hot on the heels of their win in the Prix du Moulin.

“He is able to run well all over the world, which he has proved before, winning in Australia, New Zealand, France and England,” Lemaire told At The Races.

“He can adapt wherever he goes and I am sure the Belmont Park track will suit him very well.”

Starcraft got off the mark in England with his three-quarter length call over Dubawi at Headquarters after being beaten in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes – when he picked up an injury – and the Queen Anne Stakes.

Reflecting on his Newmarket success, Lemaire added: “It was fantastic to win my first Group One in England and Starcraft was brilliant that day.

“He is a real champion and is able to run over a variety of distances. He is a strong horse and always gives his very best.”

Starcraft is a general 3-1 chance for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.