Prix Niel mooted for Jack Hobbs Arc prep
Monday 6 July 2015 17:17, UK
Impressive Irish Derby winner Jack Hobbs could have his next run in France after the Prix Niel was mentioned as a potential target by trainer John Gosden.
The Clarehaven handler said the mile-and-half Group Two at Longchamp on September 13 could act as a stepping-stone for the three-year old before the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over course and distance a month later.
After finishing second to stablemate Golden Horn in the Dante and the Derby, the son of Halling gained compensation when becoming the first British-trained winner of the Irish Classic in more than 20 years with a five-length victory at the Curragh.
Gosden said: "Jack Hobbs is a lovely horse who has come all the way through. He got unlucky running into Golden Horn in both the Dante and the Derby. He is having a short holiday now and is just trotting.
"A race like the Prix Niel could be for him before the Arc. He is a Halling so if the ground is soft it should help him."
Star Of Seville is to be targeted at the Qatar Nassau Stakes at Goodwood next month in a bid to claim back-to-back Group One wins after having landed the French Oaks last month.
Gosden said: "Star Of Seville will head for the Nassau. She is in super form and is currently having a freshen up. She ran a fabulous race at Chantilly.
"They don't always handle the track at Goodwood as it can make them off-balance, but is she handles it she certainly has a chance."
