Solow Steps Out At Maisons-Laffitte

The Wertheimer brothers’ Solow (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), already a four-time Group 1 winner this year, completed a racecourse gallop at Maisons-Laffitte Monday in preparation for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot on British Champions Day Oct. 17. Trainer Freddy Head said he is “very happy” with the 5-year-old gelding, who has not been seen since taking the G1 Sussex S. at Goodwood July 29.

“[Jockey] Maxime Guyon was very pleased with him and said his action felt good and all is well,” Head said. “It was a strong piece of work with two companions; they went a good pace. The ground would have been good to soft and he appears to have kept his form really well, despite being on the go since March.”

“I couldn’t be happier with him,” Head added. “I just hope there is a little bit of soft in the ground at Ascot and to be fair there usually is in October.”

Head also weighed in on Sunday’s G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe favorite Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}). The 5-year-old mare, who is going for an unprecedented third win in the historic race, is trained by Head’s sister, Criquette Head-Maarek.

“There are no dangers; she’s in a class of her own,” Head said. “In the [G1 Prix] Vermeille she was brilliant, she’s unbelievable.”