Epicuris Passed Stalls Test

Juddmonte Farms’ G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud hero Epicuris (GB) (Rail Link {GB}) came through a stalls test at Chantilly Thursday morning, but trainer Criquette Head-Maarek cannot rest on her laurels ahead of the G1 French Derby. While the bay successfully passed through the gates, he did so only accompanied by Nicolas Blondeau, the man renowned for helping Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) at the start of races. With the rules different in France to England, Head-Maarek will now apply for special dispensation for Blondeau to be with the colt at the start of the G1 Prix du Jockey Club. Epicuris needed to pass a stalls test after refusing to enter them before his scheduled run in the G2 Prix Greffulhe.

“He went in so they have agreed to let him run,” said Head-Maarek. “The only problem is, he only goes in with the same man each time, Nicolas Blondeau, so we are asking if he can come when he races. In England it wouldn’t be a problem but the rules are different here.”

Added the trainer, “We tried him without him, first time he went in fine, but the second time he wouldn’t. He obviously trusts him, but horses are like women–they can be a bit funny! So, I’m smiling that he’s passed the test, but I’m not pleased. We need to write to the stewards so I’m not sure when we’ll find out if they will let Blondeau come.”