Shalaa On Course For Morny

Al Shaqab Racing look set to mount a strong challenge for the G1 Prix Morny at Deauville August 23. Europe’s joint top rated juvenile so far this season Shalaa (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) is due to represent Sheikh Joaan Al Thani with the owner also possibly fielding the progressive Gutaifan (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) depending on ground conditions. The John Gosden trained Shalaa has looked top class in his last two outings and confirmed his taking display in the G2 July S. at Newmarket with a commanding victory in the G2 Richmond S. at Goodwood last week. The handsome colt looks Group 1 class for sure and Harry Herbert, racing manager to Al Shaqab racing cannot hide his enthusiasm for the juvenile. “He is special, isn’t he,” said Herbert. “At Newmarket he was almost running away with Frankie and you thought he’d fold in a heap and finish last, and he found another gear and won impressively. He’ll go to France – he’s a Prix Morny horse through and through, so long as the ground’s not horrible and John Gosden is happy with him.” Gutaifan has already had a successful trip to France when winning the G2 Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-laffitte July 26 and Herbert thinks the Richard Hannon trainee is an exciting prospect, especially if the ground rides testing. “He loved the soft ground in France the other day and did it really well. He’s a fantastic horse. With a bit of juice in the ground, he’s a bit special and he’s a reserve candidate for the Morny if it turned soft, “said Herbert.