Last years G1 Breeders' Cup Mile winner Karakontie (Jpn) (Bernstein) looks increasingly set to make a belated seasonal appearance in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville August 16. A foot problem has kept the Jonathan Pease trained triple Group 1 winner off the track since his last start at Santa Anita last November but according to Alan Cooper, racing manager to owners the Niarchos Family, the colt is progressing nicely, “He had a quarter crack and it's taken a little time come right, said Cooper, before adding. “The long-term aim is go back to the Breeders' Cup to defend his crown, but we'll take it step by step. Firstly he is being aimed at the Jacques le Marois, that is the plan, all being well. A mile is his optimum trip, as he has proved already.”
Meanwhile Kevin Ryan has nominated three races as targets for The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) following his brave effort to concede weight to Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the G1 Coral Eclipse at Sandown last Saturday. Paris in October for the G1 Prix De L'Arc de Triomphe is the ultimate aim with the G1 Juddmonte International at York in August being the next port of call. In between, Ryan is planning a title defence of the G1 Irish Champion S. at Leopardstown in September for Frank Gillespie's 4-year-old.
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