Frankie Dettori is on the hunt for a ride in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after his intended mount Fascinating Rock was diverted to the Champion Stakes.
The star Italian rider, who at the weekend celebrated the 20th anniversary of his famous ‘Magnificent Seven’ winners at Ascot, claimed his fourth triumph in Europe’s richest race last year on Golden Horn.
Dettori was hoping to bid for a record fifth success on Fascinating Rock, but trainer Dermot Weld now plans to bypass Chantilly in favour of the Champion at Ascot later in October.
Irish handler Weld will still be represented in the 5mn euros ($5.6mn) showpiece by Harzand.
His Epsom and Irish Derby hero kept on course for Sunday’s Group One after showing no ill effects from the injury he picked up last time out in the Irish Champion Stakes.
The 8-1 shot’s big race rider Pat Smullen told At The Races: “Harzand is in tremendous form and I’m really happy with him.”
“I suppose there is only one negative that the ground looks like being on the quick side but you never know, they might get a drop of rain between now and raceday. All is well with him.”
Harzand is nothing if not hardy, as he prevailed at Epsom after a pre-race injury scare.
Smullen commented: “He’s a tremendous horse and has some healing power — the way he recovered from Epsom with that bruised foot to bounce back and win the Irish Derby.”
“Again he’s recovered from being struck into behind in the Champion Stakes and I think it’s a great sign in the horse that he’s got that healing power and those little things don’t affect him. He’s able to take it like all the good ones do.”
Postponed, one of only two trained in England, is 2-1 favourite following the defection due to injury at the weekend of France’s top shot, the unbeaten classic-winning filly La Cressonniere.
Her trainer Jean-Claude Rouget could still have an interest in proceedings in the shape of his French Derby and Irish Champion Stakes winning colt Almanzor, who has the Champion at Ascot as an alternative.
Almanzor was one of 19 left in the latest forfeit stage with Aidan O’Brien set to be three-handed with Found, Order of St George and Highland Reel.
Japanese contender Makahiki has been giving off positive vibes since his warm up prep in the Prix Niel over course and distance three weeks ago.
The Japanese Derby winner is the latest in a long line of Japanese visitors to attempt to land the Arc, a list that includes his sire, Deep Impact who finished third in 2006.
Makahiki’s French jockey Christophe Lemaire reported after his mount’s last searching pre-Arc workout: “He picked up well and I was very happy with him. Running up to the Arc I was looking for signs he is in good condition and I was reassured on that front.”
He is battling for second favouritism with O’Brien’s Found at around 6-1.
Sunday’s Arc and the 2017 edition are being staged in Chantilly as its traditional home at Longchamp undergoes a major renovation.