Opera date a possible aim for Alpine Star
Filly finished second at Deauville on Sunday.
The Prix de l’Opera could be a target for Alpine Star following her fine run in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Sunday. The three-year-old put up an excellent display in defeat against colts and older horses when going down by three-quarters of a length to Palace Pier in the Group One over a mile. Connections will let the dust settle before mapping out a programme, but the Prix l’Opera at Longchamp in early October is likely to come into the conversation with trainer Jessica Harrington. Click Here For Exclusive MansionBet Promotion “The Prix de l’Opera is a definite possibility for Alpine Star,” said Alan Cooper, racing manager for owners, the Niarchos Family.“She got home OK and we’ll need a few days to come up with a definitive plan.” The same colours were carried in third place by Circus Maximus, who runs for Flaxman Stables, Sue Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derek Smith. Circus Maximus, trained by Aidan O’Brien, won the Prix du Moulin last season, but that race is scheduled for September 6 at ParisLongchamp. “I haven’t spoken to Aidan yet. The Moulin is less than three weeks away. We’ll see what Aidan would like to do,” said Cooper. “They both ran very well indeed. It was a top-class race and the winner is very good. Cooper revealed Highest Ground, owned by the Niarchos Family, could take up his entry in the Sky Bet And Symphony Group Strensall Stakes at York on Saturday. The lightly-raced three-year-old colt, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, won his first two races in highly-promising style and was only caught close home by Thunderous in the Group Two Dante Stakes over a longer trip on this course last month. “Sir Michael is definitely thinking of running him, but we’ll just see how things go during the week and decide on Thursday,” said Cooper. “At the moment that’s the plan. “He’d be taking on older horses and it will be interesting to see.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.