Getting Cirrus

After a couple of disappointing efforts, it is time for Cirrus des Aigles (Fr) (Even Top {Ire}) to redeem his reputation with a fourth win in Longchamp’s G2 Qatar Prix Dollar on Saturday. Last of four in the G1 Prix d’Ispahan over an extended nine-furlong trip here May 24 and also of the seven that took part in Leopardstown’s G1 Irish Champion S. Sept. 12, the 9-year-old has lacked his usual panache which is surprising given that he had earlier won the G1 Prix Ganay over this course and distance May 3. Successful in the 2010, 2012 and 2013 editions of this contest and disqualified from first 12 months ago, the bay will need to return to his best if he is to try again for Ascot’s G1 Champion S. Oct. 17. “He hadn’t run since May and maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to go so far for his first run back last time,” trainer Corine Barande-Barbe commented. “We went to Ireland because the forecast was for rain, but it drained too well and the traveling was not the same as going to Ascot. They went very fast from the start there and he put himself in protection-mode, I think, and so didn’t use his fighting spirit. He is ready now and we will see whether we can go back to Ascot afterwards.”

Godolphin are represented by last year’s promoted winner Fractional (Ire) (Manduro {Ger}) and French Navy (GB) (Shamardal), with the latter receiving six pounds from Cirrus des Aigles. Although he is only two years younger than that rival, he is on a five-timer in black-type company with his latest success coming in the G3 Earl of Sefton S. over nine furlongs at Newmarket Apr. 16. “He’s had his usual break and he’s had his usual little niggly problems through the year,” trainer Charlie Appleby explained. “We have to give him time between his races, but he’s in good order.” Lady Cobham’s Air Pilot (GB) (Zamindar) is another coming into this fresh, having had a break since winning The Curragh’s G3 International S. over this trip June 28.