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Prix ​​de l’Arc de Triomphe: Sir Mark Prescott on Alpinista’s dominant form ahead of ParisLongchamp bid | Racing news


Sir Mark Prescott’s title over the last 50 or so years is an impressive one, but surely victory this Sunday at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Alpinista – live on Sky Sports Racing – will lead the way. much.

Since his triumphant debut in July 2019 as a two-year-old at Epsom, the five-year-old mare has proven to be something of a revelation for the Prescott team as well as a loyal owner. Ms. Kirsten Rausing.

In the early days, she looked pretty good without ever really giving in to the impression that she was going to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother Albanova, who won three German Team Championships towards the end of her career.

But since turning 4, her career has advanced rapidly and is currently on a seven-win streak, including five Group 1 races, most recently on the Knavesmire circuit in the Yorkshire Oaks.

She certainly faces her biggest test to date in Sunday’s Arc, a race that features the winner of the Irish Champion Stakes Luxembourg, the 2021 Derby and hero King George Adayar as well as the winner. winning Coral-Eclipse Vadeni.

And while the challenge is still a tough one, Prescott in particular Sports car racing in the sky that she is doing just as well as ever, with the 74-year-old coach joking that he would swim the length of the English Channel if that meant landing a first Arc.

“They’re trying to make sure there’s nothing wrong,” Prescott said. “She works well – she follows two beautiful horses but gives them a lot of weight and she just follows them. All goes well.

Luxembourg and Ryan Moore (left) win the Irish Championship Group One
Picture:
Luxembourg and Ryan Moore (left) win the Irish Championship Group One

“She was always a good working horse and before she ran her mother was a very stout so I was surprised to find I had started her over seven feathers.

“But she won the first time, so she was always faster than you might expect.

“I hate being away from home on Sunday because I call all my owners on Sunday, all 58 of them, so it’s going to be very, very busy.

“So it’s going to be busy with that and with going around but if she wins, it won’t be a problem, right?

“I’ll swim there if I think she’ll win!”

Luke Morris on board the Alpinista after winning the Berlin Grand Prix
Picture:
Luke Morris on board the Alpinista after winning the Berlin Grand Prix

It’s a family of horses that, with owner Rausing, have been very good to the manager of Heath House, with the aforementioned Albanova, as well as Alborada, who was revealed in the late 90s.

She has won six races in her ten-race career, including two Champion Bets as well as Polly Stakes and Nassau Stakes.

“Albanova is Alpinista’s grandma and she won those three Group First prizes but it wasn’t until she turned five,” Prescott added.

Alpinista beat Tuesday and La Petite Coco to win Yorkshire Oaks
Picture:
Alpinista beat Tuesday and La Petite Coco to win Yorkshire Oaks

“And only Miss Rausing will continue until we win Team Ones when they’re five years old and she’s had this great year.

“And she bred Alwilda, Alpinista’s dam. We also have Alborada, who won two Champion Stakes.

“There’s got to be a lot of benefit, unless you’re a complete idiot!”

In all of Alpinista’s last seven wins, humble rider Luke Morris has been in the saddle, with his unique power-packing style taking full advantage of the super phantom horse’s power.

‘I would be lying if I said I didn’t drive the race in my head’

He enjoyed some of his biggest days early in his career with a Marsha sprint sensation for Prescott, who won the 2016 Prix de l’Abbaye at Chantilly and Nunthorpe Stakes 2017, beating Frankie Dettori and Lady Aurelia in the process.

But those Group One victories will certainly pale in comparison to this success if he can join Alpinista to ParisLongchamp glory on Sunday on arguably the biggest stage of all.

Morris said: “It was extremely exciting to be involved with such a high quality mare and I was extremely fortunate to be the one to sit on her in the race.

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Jockey Luke Morris has revealed his excitement ahead of his ride on the Alpinista during Sunday’s Arc from ParisLongchamp.

“I think I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been in the race in my head a few times.

“Arc is probably the biggest race in Europe and to be in a dirt race like her, who had such a strong chance.

“I would probably be nervous but mostly really excited. You know, these are the days where you work your entire career and let go at this stage and have a horse just like her.

“I am truly privileged and cannot be grateful to Mark and Miss Rausing for giving me this opportunity.”

Swedish billionaire Kirsten Rausing bred his horses at Newmarket’s Lanwades Stud, and together with Alpinista, also bred recent St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov for Newmarket colleague Roger Varian .

It was a remarkable run with over 165 Team or List wins having been bred from juniors, but as Rausing himself admits, it’s easier said than done to lower expectations the night before for a win. beautiful in the capital of France.

“Obviously I’m feeling apprehensive but I’ve been in this game long enough to try and work out my expectations,” Rausing said.

“We’ve been super excited with the mare this year and she looks set to be at the pinnacle of her form and ability.

“But the hardest hurdle was encountered in Paris.”

Watch every race on Arc weekend from ParisLongchamp this Saturday and Sunday, live only on Sky Sports Racing.





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