Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: Juddmonte hopes Westover can follow in the footsteps of 2010 winners Workforce with victory in Paris | Racing news
Team Juddmonte remains hopeful “the lightning can strike twice” at ParisLongchamp next week, as Westover bids to return to form at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
It’s been 12 years since the stellar Workforce Derby winner lost to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – before wearing the colors of the late Khalid Abdullah to win the middle distance competition. top of Europe at the next warm-up.
The Westover rider, coached by Ralph Beckett, who finished third in the Derby behind the Desert Crown before routing his opponents in the Irish equivalent, is following the same route, which has been kept fresh since the end. finished fifth of six runners-up at Ascot at the end of July.
With the excellent Baaeed contacts last week confirming he will end his career in the Qipco Champion Stakes rather than cross the Channel, the Arc looks wide open – and Juddmonte racing director Barry Mahon reports that Westover is definitely on the right track.
He said: “I think Ralph is pleased with him, he did a good job on Saturday morning and will probably work again tomorrow (Wednesday). I haven’t heard any negatives yet so though Anyway, we’re on the right track.”
Workforce and Ryan Moore (distant) win the 2010 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
“Confronting Baaeed is obviously going to be scary, but I think the relationships are doing the right thing for him – going a mile and a half makes more sense than showing up in France for a mile and a half on the face of it. heavy soil for his final start.
“Arc is still going to be a very tough race, as always. We’ve done it before with Workforce and we expect lightning to strike twice.”
Mahon revealed the final decision on who will go to Westover will likely be left until next week.
Colin Keane celebrates Westover’s win in the Irish Derby
Rob Hornby was in the Frankel colt to victory in the Sandown Classic Trial and in the Derby, but was replaced by three-time Irish champion Colin Keane in the Irish Derby and at Ascot.
“It’s really something we haven’t even talked about yet,” added Mahon. “We’ll probably have to start discussing it next week and see what the family wants to do.”
