Dubai Mile holds engagements in the G2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot on Jun 23 and also the G1 Irish Derby at The Curragh on July 2. However, Johnston is keen to head to ParisLongchamp for the Grand Prix de Paris, over the same 1 1/2-mile trip on July 14.

“We will see about Ascot and I've always thought the Grand Prix de Paris was a race that would really suit him,” Johnston said. “I'd like to have that as part of his plans. Whether or not he goes to Ascot in between, we'll see.

“If he did everything, it would be three weeks and three weeks–it is six weeks until Paris.”

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The 3-year-old will be part of a three-pronged challenge from France to also include Simca Mille (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), just beaten in the Grand Prix de Paris and subsequent winner of the G2 Prix Niel on Arc Trial day Sept. 11; and Grand Glory (GB) (Olympic Glory {Ire}), a meritorious five-lengths' fifth to Contrail (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in last year's Japan Cup whose major victory this year came in the G3 Prix Allez France Longines in May. Grand Glory is then slated for a return to the Arqana December Sale, where she sold for €2.5 million in 2021.

“It's a nice race to contest,” trainer Fabrice Chappet told Paris Turf. “The horse has returned from an Arc de Triomphe that was run in the circumstances that we all know. We will see him again on…ground that he appreciates. The race is late in the season, but he had a good break after the Arc. Next year, he won't come back until May, so it's possible to go there and try it.”

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Richard Hannon's Mojo Star, one better than Hurricane Lane's third in the Derby and fifth in the Irish equivalent, is also signed on. The progressive G3 Gordon S. winner Ottoman Emperor for Johnny Murtagh and Martyn Meade's Irish Derby second Lone Eagle also remain at the latest forfeit stage. One of two for Andrew Balding is G2 Great Voltigeur third Youth Spirit.

Aidan O'Brien fields an octet at this point for the race, including Sir Lamorak, listed winner and G3 Gordon S. second Sir Lucan and G2 Great Voltigeur runner-up The Mediterranean.

A pair of listed-winning fillies have also stood their ground in Roger Varian's Save A Forest and Ralph Beckett's Yesyes.

Murtagh said of Ottoman Emperor, “That is the plan so far–we've had no problems, touch wood. I've not been speaking much to the OTI people [owners] since after Goodwood-[but] the English St Leger is the next stop.

“That last run was good, and the form of that race stood up at York. I think he deserves his chance in the St Leger–whether he stays the mile and six is a question mark, but we'll have to pay to find out.”

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Hurricane Lane (Frankel), for Godolphin, led the field behind the front-runner of the Aidan O'Brien squad, The Mediterranean (Galileo). He came by entering the last straight and simply went away to win by six lengths over Wordsworth (Galileo), third in the Irish Derby and second here with a length over King Edward VII Stakes (G2) winner Alenquer (Adlerflug), who had beaten him in the Royal Ascot Derby.

Hurricane Lane was bought for £200,000 (about US$236,000) as a yearling at Tattersalls, a few months before his dam Gale Force (Shirocco) was consigned there in foal to Australia and sold for £300,000 (about US$350,000) to Charlie Gordon-Watson. Trained in Britain by James Fanshawe, Gale Force came to France to crown her career with a Listed win in the Denisy, a two-miler run at Saint-Cloud in November on a very heavy turf.

At stud, Gale Force first gave Frankel's Storm (Frankel), a Listed-placed also fifth in the Prix des Réservoirs (G3) at 2, then Hurricane Lane, and a Sea the Stars colt. It is a family originating from the Aga Khan studs.

WHAT CONNECTIONS SAID

William Buick (jockey of Hurricane Lane, 1st)

“I would like to start by thanking France Galop, who have worked with the BHA. Their collaboration has made sure that everything was in place so that I could come and ride the horse. On Monday weren't even sure it would be possible! That was already a small victory. This horse is a superstar. He really had the perfect race today, unlike at The Curragh. The layout of the racecourse, the ground, the rhythm… Everything was perfect for him. He has a good cruising speed and a strong acceleration. Even more so, he is a very relaxed horse in his head! Off the back of that I think that the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe has to be a serious option for the autumn time.”

Charlie Appleby (trainer of Hurricane Lane, 1st)

“He's obviously been a very exciting horse to deal and he's only been beaten once in his life and that was in the Derby when I felt inexperience caught us out. Today's performance has franked him as one of the best three-year-olds in Europe and he's an exciting horse. As we always do we'll allow the dust to settle but you would have to be thinking about him as a serious contender for the Arc. We'll give him a bit of a break now because he's run in an English Derby, and Irish Derby and then backed it up two and a half weeks later in a Grand Prix de Paris. He deserves to have a break but whether he can give himself a break is another thing. He ran in the Grand Prix because he'd come out of the Irish Derby so well. He has a great constitution. He has a great mind and he show his wellbeing in the morning. A huge team effort goes into the way the horses are running at the moment and I'm delighted for his Highness Sheikh Mohammed.”

HURRICANE LANE

It's another huge win for @godolphin's FRANKEL colt as he lands the Grand Prix de Paris @paris_longchamp

@AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/IQK0vq3nsP

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) July 14, 2021

Olivier Peslier (jockey of Wordsworth, 2nd)

“He has ran well, despite not taking me along early. I had to shake him along to get him to follow the winner, to make sure I didn't get caught for toe. After that, he was very courageous and put in an excellent effort to finish second. He will be better suited by something a bit longer like the St Leger. He needs a little time to get going but he is quite talented.”

James Doyle (jockey of Alenquer, 3rd)

“The draw wasn't ideal. As we know it's not easy historically from the wide draw at Longchamp over a mile and a half. I rode him to come home and he's finished off very well. We were on the back foot a little bit and I had a little look up around the 800 metres out and I thought we had a bit of a mountain to climb. If the pace had held up it would have given me a chance but they did sort of steady at half way and made it very difficult for me to get into it. But I'm very proud of him, he's run a solid race and he's got the trip well. ”

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The colt's only loss in five starts came when third in the Epsom Derby, when he lost both front shoes during the running.

On Hurricane Lane's chances, Buick told Sky Sports Racing: “He's a horse who is still lightly-raced and he's probably still on the up… You'd expect it to be a good race but the team at home have been very happy with him and I'm really looking forward to it.”

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One is M M Stables' Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who beat Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Yibir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Lone Eagle in the Apr. 23 G3 Sandown Classic Trial which remains one of the strongest pieces of 3-year-old form this year. His subsequent win off an absence in Royal Ascot's G2 King Edward VII S. June 18 means that he needs to step up and his outside draw has done him no favours.

Another who went to Royal Ascot was Sir Lamorak (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), but while Wordsworth was contesting the G2 Queen's Vase he was running to a similar figure under topweight in the King George V H. over this trip. Previously pulled out of the G3 Chester Vase due to the rain-softened ground, he remains under the radar but showed with his 3 3/4-length success in a 10-furlong Leopardstown handicap Apr. 11 that he possesses the kind of acceleration to make a mark in this company.

Gestut Schlenderhan's Northern Ruler (Ger) (Ruler of the World {Ire}) beat the May 24 G2 Prix Hocquart winner Bubble Gift (Fr) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in the G3 Prix du Lys over this trip at Chantilly June 20 and is dangerously unexposed having been a third supplementary entry on Saturday. Zak Bloodstock's Bubble Gift may have been a touch unlucky in that contest and trainer Mikel Delzangles is expecting improvement off that effort. “Bubble Gift came out of the Prix du Lys Longines well,” he commented. “He goes on all ground and he has already won at ParisLongchamp, which will certainly be an advantage. All the lights are on green and we are ready to run.”

Another outsider is Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard's Baby Rider (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who took the G2 Prix Greffulhe over 10 1/2 furlongs at Saint-Cloud May 1 before disappointing when only 14th in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club over that trip at Chantilly June 6. “In the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, Baby Rider couldn't get his breathing together and logically he was then unable to accelerate at the finish,” trainer Pascal Bary said. “It would be ideal to have good ground and after the supplementation of the Irish Derby winner and Epsom Derby third Hurricane Lane, our task is complicated even further. There are some excellent horses still in the race but one thing is for sure, Baby Rider is in great form and will run a big race.”

Also on the card is the G2 Prix de Malleret over the same mile-and-a-half trip, which is diverted from Saint-Cloud and features The Aga Khan's highly-regarded Khalidiya (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who needs to bounce back from a deflating 16th in the G1 Prix de Diane over 10 1/2 furlongs at Chantilly June 20. From Britain is the Joseph Tuite-trained Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who beat the subsequent winner Chiasma (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) by 5 1/2 lengths over a mile and a quarter at Goodwood May 22. In the 14-furlong G2 Prix Radio FG, or Prix Maurice de Nieuil as it is better known, there is a fascinating rematch between Haras de la Gousserie's Skazino (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) and The Aga Khan's Valia (Fr) (Sea the Stars {Ire}). Two lengths separated them in the G2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier over 300 metres further here last time May 24, but Skazino has a three-pound penalty this time and the filly should be sharper for that reintroduction.

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“It obviously looked like the Irish Derby was a tough race and we half expected him to lie down for three or four days afterwards, to be honest with you,” trainer Charlie Appleby said. “However, he came out of the race really well, he's not missed an oat since and has really shown his wellness since Monday of this week.

“We had a discussion collectively during the week and it was a case of either keeping him fresh for the Leger or heading to France, and we just felt waiting for Doncaster was going to be quite a long time to keep the lid on him. He worked [Saturday] morning and William [Buick] was very happy with him. The Grand Prix de Paris is his last chance to run in a Group 1 over a mile and a half against 3-year-olds so we thought we'd take the opportunity.”

Also traveling from Newmarket will be the William Haggas-trained Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), who was also supplemented on Saturday. Alenquer is two for two this year, having beaten the Derby winner Adayar (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G3 Classic Trial before taking Royal Ascot's G2 King Edward VII S. Aidan O'Brien currently has Sir Lamorak (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Wordsworth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and The Mediterranean (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) engaged.

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The son of Galileo comes to Dubai a the lone runner for the powerful Coolmore operation, as well as the global powerhouse's sole nomination to the meeting. A Group 2-winning 2-year-old of 2019, winning the Champions Juvenile (G2) at Leopardstown before a fourth to Kameko in the Vertem Futurity Trophy (G1), he entered his sophomore season as obvious Derby material, but a sole prep at Royal Ascot—fourth as the favorite in the King Edward VII (G2)—did not provide enough bottom for him to stand up to the challenges of Epsom.

Stepping up his game with fitness, Mogul went on to win three of his next five races against some of the world's best, including Grand Prix de Paris (G1) and Hong Kong Vase (G1). Wedged between was a good fifth in Tarnawa's Breeders' Cup Turf (G1). The Hong Kong Vase, in mid-December, gives him a 15-week break coming to Dubai.

“We're happy with everything he's done,” O'Brien said. “He had a little break after Hong Kong and then he got going again and seems to be in good form. He's a horse who takes his racing very well and we think he's ready to start back again.

“I suppose it is his first run of the season, but he ran in December and that's hopefully an advantage,” he continued. “He wouldn't have had as long a break as he would have had last year, so we're hoping he's well enough and fit enough to do himself justice, really.”

Progress from three to four is expected from the well-built sort, but such was also the case for Japan, whose 2020 4-year-old campaign was a bit underwhelming. A winner of Group 1s, including the Juddmonte International and Grand Prix de Paris, in 2019, Japan could manage only a pair of thirds from five tries last year.

“Mentally they're a bit the same, but physically they're different,” O'Brien explained. “Mogul is probably a stronger, more powerful type of horse than Japan. Japan looks like a mile and a quarter, mile and a half horse, physically, whereas this horse looks more like a sprinter-miler. I suppose, physically they're different, but mentally, they're the same. They're relaxed horses who sleep and eat well.

“He's a big, strong, powerful horse and there's a lot of Danehill in him, so he carries plenty of condition. Even though he is fit and has done plenty of work, he still looks round and strong and looks more like a horse who will improve with the run, but that's the way he always looks.”

While O'Brien only has one win in the race–with the brilliant St Nicholas Abbey in 2013–his horses have often given strong accounts of themselves in a race that is arguably the toughest of the card. St Nicholas Abbey was second in 2012 and talented filly Seventh Heaven took up the same spot in 2017. In 2020, before the cancellation, he held a strong entry with Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck. One thing all those had in common was an affection for firm ground, which is likely at Meydan on its expansive 12-furlong course this Saturday.

“The quicker the ground the better,” O'Brien concluded. “The flat track will suit him and a nice even pace will suit him. He likes to take his time and he comes home well. He's flying out on Monday and we will be on the track as soon as we can.”

After a 48-hour quarantine, Mogul will make his first appearance to the public, post-Hong Kong-conquering, at morning track work on Thursday.

The current best-price $5 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) market:

5/2 CHRONO GENESIS
11/4 MISHRIFF
6/1 MOGUL
7/1 WALTON STREET
8/1 CHANNEL MAKER
16/1 STAR SAFARI
20/1 LOVES ONLY YOU
25/1 BERKSHIRE ROCCO
50/1 SIMSIR

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• In the three-year-old colts division, the Irish-trained Mogul made a huge impression when dominating the field in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Group 1).

• The distaff division saw another success for the Irish as Tarnawa took the Qatar Prix Vermeille, carrying the prestigious colours of HH The Aga Khan and ridden to perfection by adopted Frenchman Christophe Soumillon.

• And in the older horse division, they contested the Qatar Prix Foy… yet another Irish winner thanks to the mighty Anthony Van Dyck.

The betting for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe following Sunday's racing :

• Love Ireland 6/4
• Enable England 2/1
• Magical Ireland 12/1
• Ghaiyyath England 14/1
• Mishriff England 14/1
• Tiger Moth Ireland 14/1
• Stradivarius England 16/1
• Mogul Ireland 20/1
• Raabihah France 20/1
• Sottsass France 20/1

JUDDMONTE GRAND PRIX DE PARIS

Irish-trained Mogul (Galileo) landed the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris in impressive style. Keeping it in the family: Mogul's full brother Japan himself was an outstanding winner of this very race last season!

Mogul gave his trainer Aidan O'Brien a third consecutive win in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris, having been successful with Japan in 2019 and Kew Gardens – another son of the world-famous stallion Galileo – in 2018.

Always faithful to his team, but owing to the restrictions in place due to Covid-19, Aidan O'Brien called up crack French jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot to take the ride Mogul. Pierre-Charles, nicknamed “PC” by his fans, actually won his very first Group 1 (race at the highest level) of his career in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris when riding a horse owned by the same connections, Gallante, trained by André Fabre, back in July 2014.

Mogul hasn't had the perfect career and doesn't have a solid string of successes to his name, unlike some of the champions trained by Aidan O'Brien. But he has always been held in very high regard by his connections and was regularly chosen as the number one choice for Coolmore by the stable jockey.

Having only finished 6th in the Epsom Derby in July 2020, Mogul finally claimed his first Group 1 success in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris and is now amongst the favourites for next month's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Pierre-Charles Boudot, jockey of Mogul (1st) :

« His trainer really was confident. When I had him on the phone before the course he explained to me that he was a horse that needed to be held up a bit, but had a huge turn of foot and that the longer I could wait, the better, as he doesn't do too much in front. There was no pressure and I let the others do the work. The pace was nice and constant. Turning in I had a feeling that I was going to get a run down the rail and the horse just picked them off one by one, he gave me his all just to the line, he was perfect. When I saw the pacemaker was still four or five lengths clear I knew that I would have plenty of time to make my move as he came back to me, the perfect scenario.

Coolmore is one of the biggest breeding operations in the world and it is always a pleasure, and honour to ride and to win for them. We will see if I get the ride on him in the Arc, it should be interesting! »

Mogul could find himself amongst the line-up for Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. But there is a chance Pierre-Charles Boudot may not be able to ride him and may have to side with Persian King (Kingman)recent impressive winner of the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp.

Francis-Henri Graffard, trainer of In Swoop (2nd) :

« Before the race, I would have been happy with second place, that's a great run. We were worried that he might have been found out for a bit of speed. He just keeps grafting away and Ronan knows him, he knows to keep after him. Just as I was hoping, he has finished off really strongly. Two weeks ago I would have never thought that he would have come here in such good condition, he takes his work well. I kept him going in strong work throughout the summer, he is very straightforward and willing. I think a softer ground would play to his strengths. He holds an entry in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Gr1), the Qatar Prix Chaudenay (Gr2) and the Grosser Preis von Bayern (Gr1): I will have a discussion with the owners and we will come to a decision »

The horse should run in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

QATAR PRIX VERMEILLE

After Mogul's victory in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris, Ireland took a second Group 1 of the day at ParisLongchamp – the Qatar Prix Vermeille – thanks to Tarnawa (Shamardal), a filly owned by HH The Aga Khan and ridden by Christophe Soumillon.

Having been held up towards the rear of mid-division, the filly coasted through the field as they took the 'false homestretch' towed along by the O'Brien-trained Laburnum (Galileo). She then showed a lightning turn of foot to devour long time leader Dame Malliot (Champs Elysées) who set the early fractions under Frankie Dettori, his favourite position!

Tarnawa went on to cross the winning line with a healthy three-length margin over her rivals..

Today, Tarnawa – a well-bred compact filly bursting with a devastating turn of foot –could easily have reminded us of a certain Zarkava, the second last winner of the Vermeille for HH The Aga Khan…

The French-trained favourite for the race, Raabihah (Sea The Stars) finished strongly and got the better of Dame Malliot in the battle for second place having been sat in the last place as the field turned into the home straight.

Mark Weld, assistant to his father Dermot Weld, trainer of Tarnawa (1st) :

« She is a marvellous filly. The Prix Vermeille is a very, very prestigious race and she needed to be good to win there. S.he has lots of speed and class and deserves a Group 1 win She was very impressive when winning a Group 2 au Curragh last year, just like last month in a Group 3 at Cork. We have a lot of hopes for her and she is very straightforward. The whole family have got better with age, particularly the females. She is a pleasure to train and we are very lucky to have her. I have just spoken to my father and we will have a look at the next step, she holds an entry in the Prix de l'Opéra (Groupe 1), and she is comfortable over 2.000m, so that's a possibility”

The filly therefore will not take part in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Christophe Soumillon, jockey of Tarnawa (1st) :

« When I saw Cristian taking back on the favourite early on I wasn't expecting that. He normally rides her quite offensively and I was planning on taking a lead off her. So I said to myself, that not to worry, I will take another position. Frankie Dettori stayed a long time out in the middle and when I saw that it was going to bunch up I spotted Pierre-Charles Boudot up ahead in third. So I wheeled out from behind Vincent Cheminaud and took a leadoff Pierre-Charles. He brought me along perfectly into the final few furlongs. After that I only had to ask her to go about her work, it's a pleasure to ride one like that in a good race, always in my hands. We have been waiting for that for a while and its great! For the Arc, we will need to sit down and have a talk, it's a hot race this year and it's certainly not the same level as today. It's the world championships, with 18 or 20 runners, things don't happen as easily as they did today. We will have to see. She is very nice and we will have fun for the remainder of the year”

Jean-Claude Rouget, trainer of Raabihah (2nd) :

“She ran well, but now she is against tougher rivals. She is changing category, she has proved that she is the best three-year-old filly in France. We will see how she is over the next two weeks, but if she is well in herself she will run in the Arc”

QATAR PRIX FOY

The Irish Anthony Van Dyck (Galileo) set out to make every post a winning one in the Qatar Prix Foy (Group 2). Sent straight to the lead, he went on to fend off all challengers up the home straight. The win meant that the Irish secured a perfect three from three in the preparation races for next month's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Group 1).

His biggest rival, Stradivarius (Sea the Stars), was a persistent challenger. But for the long-distance specialist, today's 2.400m trip meant that he couldn't show his true quality.

Mickaël Barzalona, jockey of Anthony Van Dyck (1st) :

“We jumped off easily and I found myself in front, I left him to find a rhythm and let him go along bit by bit. I had a bit of trouble getting him to stretch out at the finish but once he sensed the attack of Stradivarius he pulled away again. I wasn't too worried because Stradivarius, as we see each time, makes up ground easily but sometimes gets caught for a bit of acceleration. He never comes in progression, getting a lead from the others. Turning in I gave him a breather before winding him up, I think my horse enjoyed that! In my opinion, he has every right to a place at the start of the Arc. He gets into a good rhythm and just keeps galloping in a straight and true line”

Bjorn Nielsen, owner and breeder of Stradivarius (1er) :

“ They have walked there and Frankie though he should have gone in front. The race has turned into a sprint and we were only beaten a neck. I don't know if he will run in the Arc, i need to speak with John Gosden but given how that race was run I wouldn't rule it out. The ground conditions on the day will not play a huge part, he goes better on good ground but can handle soft if needed”

Stradivarius could run in the Arc.

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Serpentine’s Epsom performance was simply that of a high-class galloper on a different level to his peers and Aidan O’Brien is happy to let him do the talking. “We always thought he was a very smart middle-distance horse and even though he only had one run at two which looked very ordinary, we were very happy with his work at home,” he explained. “He was a horse that was very relentless in his work and would go an even, strong gallop and would not surrender and that’s the way he’s always been. We had to give him a good break and he’s done very well–physically he’s really rounded off since then. It will be a run to get him started back and we’ll see where we go after that.”

If there is a chance that Ryan Moore will be tempted off Love (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) for the main event in three weeks’ time, it would only be for this colt despite the heroics of Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) on Saturday. Another sensational display would put him in the reckoning for Coolmore’s number one and his handler is keen to see what unfolds in this prestigious prize usually set for the July 14 public holiday. “Obviously a race like the Arc or something like that would be possible, but either way we’re hoping we might have him for next year,” O’Brien added. “He’s a solid horse and I wouldn’t be fooled by what anyone thinks about Epsom–whatever race he runs in, if he makes the running you just need to go and follow him because he just doesn’t come back. He’s relentless and that’s the way he is. I heard everyone saying about Epsom and him getting a clear lead and all that kind of stuff and he did, but I don’t think there was anyone pulling or dragging too much to stay back off him.”

While not in Serpentine’s league, ‘TDN Rising Star’ Mogul is highly-regarded and decent in his own right and has been slowly building to a crescendo this season. After the Derby, he went on to beat Highland Chief (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and English King in the G3 Gordon S. over this 12-furlong trip on Goodwood’s tricky track on July 30, so it was a disappointment that he backtracked when only fourth as Highland Chief ran second in the G2 Great Voltigeur at York on Aug. 19. Gestut Schlenderhan’s July 12 G1 Deutsches Derby winner In Swoop (Ire) (Adlerflug {Ger}) and Claudio Marzocco and Man Bun Lee’s Aug. 8 G2 Prix Hocquart scorer Port Guillaume (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) add intrigue to a key trial for the Arc, but on the formbook Serpentine holds sway.

Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Arc prospects may lie with the still-unexposed 3-year-old filly Raabihah (Sea the Stars {Ire}), who tackles the G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille after a close-up fourth in the July 5 G1 Prix de Diane and subsequent success in the G3 Prix de Psyche at Deauville on Aug. 1. Susan Magnier and Linda Shanahan’s July 18 G1 Irish Oaks heroine Even So (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) returns from her summer break after that Curragh Classic victory, while fellow Irish hopes rest with The Aga Khan’s Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal), who enjoys prominence among the older fillies and mares after her emphatic success under a penalty on her seasonal bow in the G3 Give Thanks S. over this 12-furlong trip on Aug. 8.

Curragh Hosts Action-Packed Card

Ireland’s Champions Weekend culminates with a stellar card at The Curragh, with the quartet of Group 1 contests kicked off by the Derrinstown Stud Flying Five S. Domestic hopes rest with Make a Challenge (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who seems to have run out of listed races to win in his native country but who has a thorn in his side in his July 19 G2 Sapphire S. conqueror A’Ali (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}). Three fast fillies from the North of England line up in the Aug. 21 G1 Nunthorpe S. runner-up Que Amoro (Ire) (Es Que Love {Ire}), last year’s G1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp heroine Glass Slippers (GB) (Dream Ahead) and Liberty Beach (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}) who was second to A’Ali in the July 5 G3 Sandown Sprint S. Paul Mulrennan rides Que Amoro and is hoping she can back up her huge effort last time. “She’s come out of York very well,” he said. “It was a hell of a run in the Nunthorpe–I’ve not seen many horses get Battaash off the bridle like she did, so it was a great effort. If she can reproduce that sort of performance this weekend, I think she’s the one they’ve all got to beat.”

This season’s key juveniles take in the G1 Moyglare Stud S. and G1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National S., with John Oxley’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ Pretty Gorgeous (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}) in pole position for the former after her success in the Aug. 22 course-and-distance G2 Debutante S on testing ground. She would be capping a golden week for Joseph O’Brien and holds Donnacha’s Shale (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Aidan’s Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) on that form. She has to do it all again, but her trainer is happy with her preparation for this feature. “I’m looking forward to running her–she’s a very exciting filly,” the Piltown handler said. “She couldn’t have been any more impressive last time in very heavy going. Obviously she handled that, but she’s also won on better ground, so she’s versatile ground-wise.” Shale had previously beaten Pretty Gorgeous on similar ground to this in the course-and-distance G3 Silver Flash S. on Aug. 6 and Donnacha is hoping that might make the difference. “It will be tough to beat Joseph’s filly, but I’m hoping that on nicer ground we can get a bit closer and possibly even put it up to her,” he commented.

In the National, Ballydoyle’s June 18 Listed Chesham S. and July 28 G2 Vintage S. winner Battleground (War Front) encounters Zhang Yuesheng’s Aug. 9 G1 Phoenix S. hero Lucky Vega (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and Godolphin’s July 11 G2 Superlative S. scorer Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in a fascinating tussle. Meeting them is Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ and Aug. 9 course-and-distance maiden winner Thunder Moon (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), Jim Bolger’s Aug. 22 G2 Futurity S. winner Mac Swiney (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) and the July 18 G2 Railway S. scorer Laws of Indices (Ire) (Power {GB}) in what promises to be a barnstormer.

Charlie Appleby won this in 2018 and also 12 months ago with a certain juvenile sensation and is keen on his latest contender. “Master of the Seas has been very professional on both his runs so far and won the Superlative S. in good style. It was always the plan to give him a break before heading to the National S. and we have been very pleased with his preparation,” he said. “Physically he has done well and this is hopefully a nice progression to the next level. He is a very different horse to Pinatubo, in terms of physique and obviously what they have both achieved going into the race. Pinatubo went into the National S. with four runs already under his belt, while Master of the Seas has only had the two starts and is a lighter-framed horse by Dubawi. Quorto was similar to Pinatubo in terms of his stature, but his form going into this race was pretty much the same as Master of the Seas, with him having won twice at Newmarket including the Superlative S. Hopefully we can continue our good record in the race.”

Lucky Vega’s jockey Shane Foley said, “From day one he’s always been a nice horse. He had a little hold-up after his maiden win, which meant it was a bit of a rush getting to the Railway S. He got beat in that, but improved no end for it and showed what he was capable of in the Phoenix. He’s laid-back, so should have no problem going up to seven furlongs. Looking at it, it looks one of the races of the weekend, with Battleground and Master of the Seas.” Of Battleground, Aidan O’Brien said, “He’s a big, powerful horse and has done very well physically since Goodwood and we’re looking forward to running him. He’s handled good ground and slowish ground.” Joseph O’Brien could be enjoying more success with Thunder Moon and he said of him, “Obviously it’s a big step up in class from a maiden straight into a Group 1, but we didn’t have many other options. He’s in at the deep end, but couldn’t have won his debut any easier.”

Last year’s G1 Irish Derby hero Sovereign (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) heads the protagonists for the G1 Comer Group International Irish St Leger, having run 5 1/2-lengths second to Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco S. at Ascot on July 25. That form is probably good enough to issue revenge on Lloyd Williams’s Twilight Payment (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), who probably caught him out when he was back in third needing the outing on his seasonal bow in the G3 Vintage Crop S. over this course and distance on June 27. Added to the mix is Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s Aug. 22 Ebor H. winner Fujaira Prince (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and last year’s winner Search For a Song (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who has taken time to come to herself this year but showed positive signs last time when third over an inadequate 10-furlong trip in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup here on July 26.

The 10-furlong G2 Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford S. sees Ballydoyle’s indomitable Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) return to the scene of her emphatic win in the G2 Lanwades Stud S. over a mile on June 13. Aidan O’Brien said, “It’s a nice race to break her into the autumn–she’ll probably go on her travels after this. We’re not sure how far we can go. We think we can go to Hong Kong and America, but we have to do the quarantine beforehand. They would be the two big ones on her agenda.” Jessie Harrington’s Group 1-placed duo One Voice (Ire) (Poet’s Voice {GB}) and Cayenne Pepper (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and Peter Brant’s July 19 G2 Kilboy Estate S. winner Lemista (Ire) (Raven’s Pass) are other protagonists in a strong renewal.

Stradivarius Shortens Up In Foy

Of the other group races in evidence on Sunday, the most interesting is ParisLongchamp’s G2 Qatar Prix Foy, where Bjorn Nielsen’s Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) begins his Arc odyssey dropping back to the 12-furlong trip over which he was third as Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was second in the G1 Coronation Cup at Newmarket on June 5. John Gosden is looking forward to seeing him back over the trip. “He’s sharpened up as a stronger, more powerful horse,” he commented. “He’s not what I call a big, one-paced staying type at all–he’s got a lot of speed this horse, so we’re looking forward to running him over a mile and a half. He’s in good form and I’m very happy with him. He’s worked nicely.”

“We don’t know how the race will be run–these French trials can just be run from the head of the straight,” the Clarehaven handler added. “We’ll leave it to Frankie, but we couldn’t be more pleased with the horse. We have trained him to sharpen him a bit, but he’s wanted to and let us do it. He has sharpened in his work, which was very much the plan, but we haven’t done anything dramatically different because he rather likes the way he’s been trained.”

Godolphin’s G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S. hero Earthlight (Ire) (Shamardal) takes centre stage in the seven-furlong G3 Qatar Prix du Pin at ParisLongchamp, adding another dimension to a day of top-class action from start to finish. That he is a bit-player on the day speaks volumes about the quality of the racing throughout the afternoon and a win here would restore confidence after a first career defeat when fourth in the Maurice de Gheest and put him on the right track ahead of the autumn. Godolphin’s Lisa-Jane Graffard said, “Earthlight is in excellent form and both the track and trip should suit him.”

The G1 Longines Grosser Preis von Baden features Barney Roy (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}), who bids for a second top-level success in this country after the 10-furlong G1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis at Munich on July 26. He renews rivalry with Stall Salzburg’s Quest The Moon (Ger) (Sea the Moon {Ger}), who was a neck back in second on that occasion, while Darius Racing’s Donjah (Ger) (Teofilo {Ire}) looks to supplement her latest win in Cologne’s G1 Preis von Europa over this 12-furlong trip on Aug. 15. Charlie Appleby said of Barney Roy, “We were pleased with Barney Roy’s first start over a mile and a half in the Preis von Europa, when the soft ground wasn’t to his liking. Looking at the forecast for this weekend, it looks as though it will be a good, sound surface for him. His preparation has gone well and he is coming up against a similar group to that he faced last time, so we are hopeful of another decent performance.”

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