Paco Boy team target Group One glory

Connections of Paco Boy are weighing up the options for the three-year-old following his fine effort in defeat in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.

The Desert Style colt has progressed at a rate of knots this season and after edging home in the Betfair Cup at Glorious Goodwood, the Richard Hannon inmate turned in a hugely impressive display to take the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury next time.

He was far from disgraced when beaten just a length and a half by Goldikova in France at the weekend and the trainer’s son and assistant Richard Hannon junior believes a top-level success is within reach before the end of the campaign.

“He has come out of the race fine and there are a load of options for him - although the ground keeps changing,” said Hannon.

“There is the Prix de la Foret, the QEII and the Breeders’ Cup – although I would say he is a longshot to go to America as he will stay in training next year.

“Although he was beaten fair and square last weekend, he was a little bit unlucky as he was caught for room in the last 100 yards.

“He has now shown he has a Group One in him.”