Hobbs Could Get Newbury Arc Prep

G1 Irish Derby victor Jack Hobbs (GB) (Halling), initially expected to target the G2 Prix Niel Sept. 13 as a prep for the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, could instead have his next outing closer to home in the G3 Legacy Cup at Newbury a week later.

“Jack is back cantering and has had a nice holiday, which he needed as he didn't really get one in the winter as he ran in December,” explained trainer John Gosden of the Godolphin colorbearer. “We're getting him ready for an Arc trial, either at Newbury or Longchamp.”

Jack Hobbs, never worse than second in five outings, this year finished second to his much-vaulted stable companion Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the G1 Epsom Derby and G2 Dante S.

“He looks big and strong and wants to mix it with Golden Horn again, but I keep having to tell him, 'know your place,'” Gosden added.

Golden Horn was withdrawn from last weekend's G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. the morning of the race due to poor ground conditions, and Gosden said that defection may have been a blessing in disguise.

“He's been a busy boy, what with Derby, Dante, [G1] Eclipse and the [Listed] Feilden S., so having a little break might be a blessing in disguise with lots of races still to come,” the conditioner said. “You have to let them down at some point, mentally as much as physically. Fortunately he's like his father in that he has a fabulous mindset and is a laid-back dude.”