Cirrus On Track For Irish Comeback

Veteran Group 1 gelding Cirrus des Aigles (Fr) (Even Top {Ire}), out of competition since finishing last of four in the G1 Prix d’Ispahan May 24, is on track to make his comeback from injury in the G1 Irish Champion S. at Leopardstown Sept. 12.

“His problem wasn’t serious and given the way the ground has been, he hasn’t missed anything,” said trainer Corine Barande-Barbe. “He never left the yard and was back in full work in July. He had three weeks just walking.”

She added, “he’s been in cracking form recently and we hope it rains a little. It’s not that he needs mud, it’s just that a few of his opponents don’t like it soft.

The next stop for the 9-year-old after Ireland–in what will be the globetrotter’s first visit to that country–is likely to be a fifth tilt at the G1 Champion S. at Ascot Oct. 17.

“After Ireland, there’s a possibility he could go for the Prix Dollar [at Longchamp Oct. 3], but it’s only a Group 2 and he’d have a lot of weight so we may just go straight to Ascot,” Barande-Barbe explained. “After that, we’ll be going to Dubai in March again and we’ll see about Hong Kong, as he’s had a long break this year it might be the time to go.”