Paint prepared for Guineas battle
Jean-Claude Rouget hopes Battle Paint can give a good account of himself when he tackles the French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp on Sunday.
The colt enjoyed a fruitful juvenile campaign, winning twice before finding only Holy Roman Emperor too hot to handle in Group One company at the Paris venue in October.
Reappearing in the Prix de Fontainebleau last month, Rouget’s charge was sent off favourite but had to settle for second once more as the race-fit Chichi Creasy held on by a length.
Rouget was heartened by that first run, however, and hopes his colt can show the benefit of that pipe-opener at the weekend.
“I have been happy with Battle Paint and his preparation has gone well – no problems,” said Rouget.
“He ran well last time and was a good two-year-old so hopefully he will be in the first three. I'm hopeful he will run well.”
Battle Paint faces 13 rivals in the Poule D’Essai des Poulains, including a four-strong Aidan O’Brien raiding party.
While Holy Roman Emperor’s switch to stud duties has unsurprisingly left a hole, the Ballydoyle maestro looks to hold strong prospects with Astronomer Royal, Honoured Guest, Brave Tin Soldier and Excellent Art.
Other notable contenders include Jim Bolger’s Creachadoir and the Andre Fabre-trained Visionario, who finished one place behind Battle Paint last time.
Owned by the Aga Khan, Visionario had no trouble in chalking up a hat-trick last year before disappointing behind Holy Roman Emperor in the autumn.
While he was only third on his reappearance, the son of Spinning World finished very strongly when finding his stride and connections are looking forward to Sunday.
However, Georges Rimaud, racing manager to the owner, concedes that this Group One test presents a stiff examination.
“Everything is in good order and the horse has worked well and should have progressed substantially from his last run,” explained Rimaud.
“However, it looks like there will be serious competition at the weekend so we will just have to wait and see how he runs.”
