Henry outgunned by Gold Rush
Goldikova showed a beguiling turn of foot to lower the colours of Henrythenavigator in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.
Aidan O’Brien was out to capture his 19th top-flight win of the campaign with the dual Guineas winner, but was derailed by the Frenchman – himself enjoying his most successful season to date.
Wins from Marchand D’Or and Tamayuz have made 2008 gilt-edged for Head, and Goldikova followed up her Group One win in Deauville by claiming the scalp of the leading miler of the Classic generation.
The omens were not good for Henrythenavigator when he was given a coffin-box draw on the wide outside in stall 11.
O’Brien also walked the track a little over 30 minutes before the race to check its suitability for his fast-ground-loving colt.
After deciding to race, Johnny Murtagh’s mount was to the rear in the early stages and despite staying on determinedly passing the stands, he fared no better than fifth.
O’Brien said: “He is a fast-ground horse and speed is his big attribute, but that was blunted and he could never get into top gear.
“We’ll have a look at options now and we will have to consider Ascot for the QEII, and longer term the Breeders’ Cup.”
Ladbrokes make Henrythenavigator their 4-1 favourite for the Breeders’ Cup Mile, with Goldikova next best at 5-1.
The latter has twice been beaten by the unstoppable Zarkava this summer, and the three-year-old raced handily under Olivier Peslier before quickening running to the line to hold Darjina by half a length.
Head said of the 3-1 winner: “She will definitely go the Breeders’ Cup now, but I will discuss the options with the owner.
“She could go for the Mile or the Filly and Mare Turf – I don’t think stamina would be a problem for the latter as she proved she stayed when third in the Prix Diane.”
A length back in third was the Richard Hannon-trained Paco Boy, who was suffering his second defeat at the track, having had an interrupted passage in the French 2000 Guineas.
The winner of all four of his British runs this summer weaved his through from the rear under Richard Hughes but the 7-2 chance found his path impeded inside the final furlong.
Richard Hannon jnr, the trainer’s son and assistant, said: “He was tight for room in the closing stages but he has proved he will win a Group One in time.”
Hannon’s Soul City earned a 33-1 quote with Ladbrokes for the 2000 Guineas after making all the running in the Group Three Prix La Rochette.
Hannon jnr added: “I thought the second was going to beat us but he kept finding and is very good in front.
“He is a probably a Guineas horse after that, but he will go to the Goffs Million at the end of month next.”
The British raiders were out of luck in the Prix du Pin, though, with French maestro Andre Fabre’s Captain’s Lover landing the spoils under Stephane Pasquier.
