Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) pleased his connections in his final bit of serious work at Cagnes-sur-Mer on Saturday, before an intended appearance in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan on Friday, January 24.
Trained by Jerome Reynier for Team Valor International and Gary Barber, Facteur Cheval is no stranger to Meydan, having made the breakthrough at the top level when winning the $5-million Dubai Turf back in March. He was last seen filling the runner-up spot in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, pushing the outstanding miler Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) all the way to the line.
The six-year-old now has a return to Dubai on his agenda after putting the finishing touches to his preparation at Cagnes-sur-Mer, with his connections keen to test him on dirt before deciding on his future targets in the Middle East.
“He was never off the bridle, yet he delivered some speedy internal splits, including 600 metres in less than 34 seconds,” Reynier said of the exercise. “He dipped under 11 seconds for one furlong at his fastest, which is moving right along in a workout.
“If he takes to the dirt it opens up opportunities such as the Dubai and Saudi Cups. If he fails to handle the dirt, then he will defend his Dubai Turf title in late March.”
It was also confirmed on Saturday that Mickael Barzalona, who has ridden Facteur Cheval previously, will take the mount when the six-year-old returns to action in the Al Maktoum Challenge.
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