Jean-Claude Rouget has issued a positive bulletin about his G1 QIPCO Champion S. hope Almanzor (Fr) (Wootton Bassett (GB)). The 3-year-old currently heads the betting for the race following his impressive display in the G1 QIPCO Irish Champion S. and Rouget commented, “The horse is well and we hope to bring him to Ascot in his best form. So far he has had no problems in his preparation, but we still have 12 days to go.” At Leopardstown last month Almanzor's immediate victim was G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Found (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Aidan O'Brien has not ruled out the possibility of a rematch at Ascot such is the toughness of his filly. Rouget also had news of his unbeaten filly La Cressonniere (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) who unfortunately will not be in action again this season. “There is no injury, but she has a bad back,” said Rouget. “She will have a three-month break before returning to training.” The Pau-based trainer also revealed his three-time Group 1-winning filly Ervedya (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) was to be retired to stud after finishing third in Saturday's G1 Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot S. at Newmarket.
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