Impressive G1 Irish Champion S. winner Almanzor (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is still on target for Ascot's G1 QIPCO Champion S. despite appearing among 19 confirmations for Sunday's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly. Following the news fellow Jean-Claude Rouget-trained runner La Cressonniere (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) would miss the race at the weekend, there were rumblings the French Derby winner could stay closer to home instead. However, while he has been left in the showpiece race, connections confirmed it is still the plan to bring him to Ascot on Oct. 15.
“He's been left in just as a precaution, but he will go to England,” said Sylvain Vidal, racing manager for part-owner Gerard Augustin-Normand. “I don't think he'll be running in the Arc, Jean-Claude wants to go to England with him. He has such a turn of foot, as he showed in Ireland, that 10 furlongs suits him better than 12. Also, three weeks would be a bit sharp to run him back, Ascot will be nearly five which is better. In England he will be up against mainly the same horses he beat in Ireland, so it makes more sense, there's no point in changing things. He stays in training next year.”
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