Bull on course for Arc

Stoute's long-term plan to be realised

Last updated: 29th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

papal bull

Related links

Also see

Papal Bull has been given the go ahead to take his chance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.

The quirky five-year-old has run some of his best races in defeat this year, including a career-best performance when chasing home Duke Of Marmalade in the King George at Ascot during the summer.

A first Group One triumph appeared his for the taking last time out in Cologne, but he could finish only third, later promoted to second, after which he was given a short break by trainer Sir Michael Stoute.

"We are booking our flights today, but I don't think it's really sunk in yet and we haven't started getting nervous," said David Stack, a member of the Papal Bull Syndicate.

"Michael picked out the King George and the Arc for him earlier in the year and he's done the first one and is on course for the second.

"The German track just didn't suit him last time and Ryan Moore wasn't too hard on him once his chance had gone.

"The horse (Kamsin) that ran second and was promoted to first has since gone on to win another Group One so the form isn't that bad at all."