Classic winner Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is pleasing connections ahead of a bid in the G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Oct. 2. The colt is headed to the ParisLongchamp showpiece after running a last out fifth in the G1 King George Vi And Queen Elizabeth S. at Ascot in July. He follows in the hoofprints of another Juddmonte luminary, 2010 Arc hero Workforce (GB) (King's Best), who also did not win the King George, but bounced back in fine style in France.
Juddmonte's racing manager Barry Mahon said, “I think Ralph [Beckett] is happy with him, he worked well on Saturday morning and will probably work again tomorrow [Wednesday]. I haven't heard any negatives, so we're still on track at the minute anyway.
“Taking on Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) would have been very scary obviously, but I think the connections are doing the right thing with him–going a mile and a quarter makes more sense than turning up in France for a mile and a half on heavy ground for his last start.
“The Arc will still be a very tough race, as it always is. We've done it before with Workforce and we're hoping lightning can strike twice.”
Westover started his season with a narrow victory in the G3 Classic Trial S. at Sandown in April and then ran an encouraging third in the G1 Cazoo Derby on June 4, both under Rob Hornby. For his last two starts he has been ridden by Colin Keane–in the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on June 25, and the King George.
“It's actually something we haven't even talked about,” Mahon added, of a rider decision for Westover. “We'll probably have to start discussing it next week and see what the family would like to do.”
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