Soft ground @ Longchamp (on Arc Day) could swerve Sea The Stars to BC Classic
DiscreetCat
Moderator
from Racing Post:
SUNDAY'S Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe trials at Longchamp did not produce an "outstanding performance" according to John Oxx, trainer of Arc favourite Sea The Stars.
The unsatisfactory results of the trials - Stacelita being awarded the Vermeille in the stewards' room, Cavalryman scrambling home in the Niel and Spanish Moon making all for Foy success - saw Sea The Stars harden as favourite for the Longchamp showpiece on October 4.
Following Sunday's trials, Ladbrokes made him their even-money favourite (from 6-4f) while Victor Chandler and William Hill shortened him to 5-4 (from 7-4f).
John Oxx: would consider Breeders' Cup Classic
PICTURE: Martin LynchR Speaking on At The Races on Monday, Oxx said: "The Arc trials are what they are. A lot of the French horses are not fully wound up for them.
"There was no outstanding performance to make you think you've seen a dramatic improvement over the summer and on the ratings they [Sea The Stars's potential opposition] would have something to find."
Oxx, who said a decision on Sea The Stars racing next year would be discussed soon, again stressed the importance of good ground for the five-time Group 1 winner to perform at his very best and said the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes and Breeders' Cup Classic would be considered if the ground at Lonchamp was too soft.
"If we miss the Arc we have to look at the two races that are left," Oxx added. "Newmarket [Champion Stakes] and Santa Anita, and the Classic rather than the Turf.
"The horse tells you what he wants to do and he's been on the go since the Guineas, but if we missed the Arc we would have to seriously consider them."
SUNDAY'S Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe trials at Longchamp did not produce an "outstanding performance" according to John Oxx, trainer of Arc favourite Sea The Stars.
The unsatisfactory results of the trials - Stacelita being awarded the Vermeille in the stewards' room, Cavalryman scrambling home in the Niel and Spanish Moon making all for Foy success - saw Sea The Stars harden as favourite for the Longchamp showpiece on October 4.
Following Sunday's trials, Ladbrokes made him their even-money favourite (from 6-4f) while Victor Chandler and William Hill shortened him to 5-4 (from 7-4f).
John Oxx: would consider Breeders' Cup Classic
PICTURE: Martin LynchR Speaking on At The Races on Monday, Oxx said: "The Arc trials are what they are. A lot of the French horses are not fully wound up for them.
"There was no outstanding performance to make you think you've seen a dramatic improvement over the summer and on the ratings they [Sea The Stars's potential opposition] would have something to find."
Oxx, who said a decision on Sea The Stars racing next year would be discussed soon, again stressed the importance of good ground for the five-time Group 1 winner to perform at his very best and said the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes and Breeders' Cup Classic would be considered if the ground at Lonchamp was too soft.
"If we miss the Arc we have to look at the two races that are left," Oxx added. "Newmarket [Champion Stakes] and Santa Anita, and the Classic rather than the Turf.
"The horse tells you what he wants to do and he's been on the go since the Guineas, but if we missed the Arc we would have to seriously consider them."