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The Niarchos Family's G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner Erupt (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who suffered his first defeat when fourth in the G2 Prix Niel at Longchamp Sept. 13, could still take in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Oct. 4, according to Racing Manager Alan Cooper, who explained the 3-year-old needed the race off a two-month layoff and didn't handle the soft going.
“Erupt needed the race at Longchamp the other day,” Cooper said. “With hindsight we think he blew up, as he was blowing for a particularly long time afterwards. With that in mind, I think there's plenty to work on and we'll decide next week whether to go for the Arc this year or not. It's a definite possible at this stage.”
Cooper added, “He didn't handle the heavy ground in the Prix Niel, which is contrary to what we had imagined beforehand. That will obviously be a factor in deciding whether he runs in the Arc or not. I believe the weather is set fair, but one never knows.”
Cooper also revealed that the Niarchos Family's Karakontie (Jpn) (Bernstein) is on course to defend his title in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile at Keeneland. The 4-year-old finished sixth on his belated seasonal debut in the G1 Jacques le Marois Aug. 16, and was third in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp Sept. 13.
“His run in the Moulin was a very nice step forward from Deauville and I believe he has come out of the race in good shape,” Cooper said. “The plan now is to head straight to Keeneland for the Breeders' Cup Mile and he obviously goes there a fresh horse. Keeneland is a tighter track than Santa Anita, but he is a very adaptable and nimble horse and [jockey] Stephane Pasquier knows him inside-out.”
Cooper reported Bocca Baciata (Ire) (Big Bad Bob {Ire}), trained in Ireland by Jessica Harrington for the Niarchos Family and third in the G2 Blandford S. when last seen Sept. 13, could head to Woodbine for her next outing.
“It's possible she could go to Canada next month for the E.P. Taylor S.,” said Cooper. “There are a few options to weigh up, but that is a possibility.”
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