Strong UK Challenge For French Dash

A 5-strong British challenge, headed by Muthmir (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) will line up for the G2 Prix Du Gros-Chene at Chantilly on Sunday. Trainer William Haggas had originally intended to run Muthmir in the Listed Achilles S. at Haydock on Saturday but the prospect of fast ground at Haydock has seen Hamdan Al Maktoum's 5-year-old rerouted to France. “Mr Haggas didn't like the sound of the ground at Haydock, he felt it would be too quick, so he's going to go to France on Sunday,” said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum. “I'm told he's in good form. The race at York should just have taken the sting out of him, he was too keen on the day, and hopefully he'll run a normal race this time,” added Gold.

Muthmir was beaten only a length into fifth in his last outing in the G2 Duke Of York S. at York and he will face stiff competition on Sunday from fellow UK challengers Stepper Point (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) and Mirza (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Stepper Point is appearing in the dash race for the fourth consecutive year and his trainer William Muir said,”We like this race. He's been second in it and fourth in it. He's in good shape with himself at home. When he came back from Dubai his coat went a little bit. It's not exactly gleaming, but he's come on a bundle and he's working well. It's a competitive race as you'd expect for a G2, but this time we've not got a penalty.” Mirza is a regular in France for trainer Rae Guest but he feels being drawn 7 of 11 is not beneficial to the chances of his good money-spinner and commented, “I think you need to be drawn near the stands rail, Christophe Soumillon rides him and he's in great form. We're hoping for a good run.”