Connections dreaming of Arc glory
Roger Varian's five-year-old is a 7-4 chance for glory on Sunday while Almanzor was a surprise inclusion in the declarations despite connections insisting he will head to Ascot
IMPRESSIVE Irish Champion Stakes winner Almanzor is still on target for Ascot's Qipco Champion Stakes despite appearing among 19 confirmations for Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly.
Following the news fellow Jean-Claude Rouget-trained runner La Cressonniere would miss the race at the weekend, there were rumblings the French Derby winner could stay closer to home instead.
However, while he has been left in the showpiece race, connections confirmed it is still the plan to bring him to Ascot on October 15.
"He's been left in just as a precaution but he will go to England," said Sylvain Vidal, racing manager for part-owner Gerard Augustin-Normand.
"I don't think he'll be running in the Arc, Jean-Claude wants to go to England with him.
"He has such a turn of foot, as he showed in Ireland, that 10 furlongs suits him better than 12.
"Also, three weeks would be a bit sharp to run him back, Ascot will be nearly five which is better.
"In England he will be up against mainly the same horses he beat in Ireland so it makes more sense, there's no point in changing things.
"He stays in training next year."
Frankie Dettori is back on the search for a ride after his intended mount Fascinating Rock was ruled out of the race.
Dettori, who would be seeking a fifth win in 12-furlong feature, had only been booked by trainer Dermot Weld for the 2015 Champion Stakes winner on Monday.
However, after a gallop on Tuesday morning, Weld informed Dettori's agent Ray Cochrane that Fascinating Rock would not be travelling to Chantilly.
"Dermot's horse (Fascinating Rock) doesn't run," said Cochrane.
"He gave him a spin and he felt it wasn't fit enough to go.
"Frankie is now looking for a ride in the Arc."
Weld is still set to be represented by dual Derby winner Harzand.
After picking up an injury in the Irish Champion Stakes, the colt has had to be nursed back to health in time to give Weld a chance to win the race for the first time.
Postponed is the ante-post favourite for Roger Varian and arrives unbeaten in four starts this year, including the Sheema Classic in Dubai, the Coronation Cup at Epsom and the Juddmonte International at York.
Japan's quest to win a first Arc continues, this time with Makahiki, who went through his final paces on the gallops on Tuesday morning under Christophe Lemaire.
Aidan O'Brien has left in Found, Order Of St George and Highland Reel with The Grey Gatsby the only other possible from Britain and Ireland.
New Bay, Silverwave and Left Hand are others to note.
