Trainer Criquette Head-Maarek said the 1 1/2-mile distance of Saturday's G1 Epsom Derby likely saw out fifth-place finisher Epicuris (GB) (Rail Link {GB}), but she said she was pleased with her charge's effort nonetheless and noted he could return to run in England.
Epicuris has displayed an aversion to the starting gates, and bypassed the May 31 G1 Prix du Jockey Club after France Galop officials said they would not permit handler Nicolas Blondeau to load the colt. Blondeau handled Epicuris at Epsom.
“I was very pleased with him in the stalls, and I thought Epsom's senior stewards and [Blondeau] did a great job with him,” said Head-Maarek. “If I do not get the go-ahead to have Blondeau with him at the start, I don't see how I can run him in France. Nothing has been decided, but we will look for races elsewhere, perhaps coming back to England with him over a shorter distance.”
Head-Maarek also trained Epicuris's dam, Argumentative (GB) (Observatory), for owner-breeder Khalid Abdullah, and she revealed the mare's stamina limitations gave her cause for concern with Epicuris.
“I was a bit scared about him getting the trip as his mother didn't stay, and I think that was the case,” she said. “I just felt it [the Derby trip] was too long for him.”
Another of Head-Maarek and Khalid Abdullah's promising sophomores, Full Mast (Mizzen Mast), will head to the G1 Prix Jean Prat July 12. Promoted winner of the G1 Jean-Luc Lagardere last October, Full Mast was an encouraging second on his return in the G3 Prix Paul de Moussac Saturday.
“I was very happy with Full Mast because it was his first run back and it wasn't easy giving six pounds to good horses,” said Head-Maarek. “The horse looked superb and has lost no ability. He has come back well from the race and we will now run him in the Jean Prat.”
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