Shirocco ready to go to war

Connections of Shirocco have disregarded the widely-held belief that soft ground is a necessity for him in the Vodafone Coronation Cup at Epsom on Friday.

Andre Fabre’s five-year-old has been installed as 4-5 favourite with Ladbrokes to win the Group One contest after his clear-cut win in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket this month.

Prior to that three-and-a-half-length success, Shirocco secured a memorable victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf on the back of his fourth-placed finish in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Although the Monsun entire has shown his best form when there is a bit of cut in the ground, Paul Harley, racing manager to owner-breeder Baron von Ullmann, is adamant the forecast drying conditions would not be detrimental to his chances in the 12-furlong event, won last year by Yeats.

“He’s in great and shape and we are delighted with him, but he doesn’t necessarily need it as soft as everyone seems to be making out,” said Harley.

“His best performances have been on soft ground but good ground is also perfect for him.

“Myself and Mr Fabre certainly don’t have any problems with the ground being either soft or good.

“Christophe (Soumillon) is very happy too and I would say the horse is now fit and ready to go to war.”

Shirocco is again being targeted for the Arc later this year, with the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes also an option.

However, Harley insisted: “The horse is not going to run too many times this year.

“At the moment, the Arc is the main goal and the King George might also be considered.

“But before the Arc he would be having a prep race, probably the Prix Foy (at Longchamp), again.”