QATAR ARC TRIALS.

QATAR ARC TRIALS
SUNDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2021

THE DREAM REMAINS ALIVE FOR JAPAN FOR THE QATAR PRIX DE L’ARC DE TRIOMPHE

The English filly Teona creates the afternoon’s upset

The racing public primarily went to ParisLongchamp on Sunday to get a glimpse of the star Irish filly Snowfall.

She was the ante-post favourite for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe prior to her Qatar Prix Vermeille assignment, having amassed four wins in as many starts this year, with each passing victory more impressive than the last. However, Snowfall bit the dust! As it was another overseas raider, Teona, trained in Britain by Roger Varian, who stole her thunder under crack jockey Olivier Peslier. Although Snowfall still managed to take snare second at the main expense of her stablemate La Joconde.

However, Teona is not just any old filly: as she had finished third on her seasonal debut in the Group 3 Musidora Stakes won by Snowfall, but she had failed miserably in the Group 1 Epsom Oaks - the equivalent of our Prix de Diane Longines – which again fell to Snowfall. Although, reassuringly, she was coming off a listed win at Windsor.

Roger Varian, Teona's trainer, said: « I'm a bit shocked... but very happy! I’m speechless! Everything went well and Olivier Peslier rode the filly perfectly. She settled well and showed what she was capable of. We have always thought a lot of her. We were disappointed with her in the first half of the season but we gave her time. So we have to thank her owner for his patience. I trained her dam, who was very good and improved with age. The family tends to get better with age. As for the future, we will see how she comes recovers from this race, and how she works in the next few weeks. She has several possible options, including the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but I think she likes the fast ground, and the sun will need to keep shining for the next few weeks. »

Regarding Snowfall, Lanfranco Dettori explained the filly's failure by saying: « I found myself too far from the front end of the race, and Hollie Doyle, on La Joconde, didn't go fast enough for my filly. The race turned into a sprint. »

The stock of Japan’s Deep Bond rises

The big attraction of the Qatar Prix Foy was the presence of Japanese contender Deep Bond, who was getting to grips with French racing and ParisLongchamp for the first time. Ridden by Cristian Demuro, who dispensed with conventional tactics: as Deep Bond went to the front from the off and repelled the persistent threat of Broome, who also carries Japanese colours, namely those of Maasaki Matsushima – although he’s trained in Ireland by Aidan O'Brien.  

A relief for those around him! Ryuji Okubo, Deep Bond's trainer was present at Paris-Longchamp, and he said: « He’s a horse that weighs about 500 kilos. A big horse physically, he’s also very energetic. He also has a raking stride. The pace was different from what he is used to in Japan. He doesn't usually go forward like that... but his jockey let the horse do things at his own pace, and so he managed to go the distance. Given a stiffer gallop, he should be in his element in the Arc. He should progress further. »

Regarding Broome, Yasufumi Sawada, the owner's representative, said: « Broome ran very well. The ground was a bit firm and he would appreciate a softer surface. It was a good prep for the Arc. »
 
The picture regarding the 3-y-olds remains fluid

The Qatar Prix Niel enabled the 3-year-olds to test themselves ahead of the big event (Arc). The battle between Bubble Gift and Baby Rider proved fierce, with the former forcing his way in front at the line by a nose. Bubble Gift is trained at Chantilly by Mikel Delzangles, and he carries the colours of ZAK Bloodstock. This concern was founded by the
Moroccan national Zakaria Hakam, and his widow Mouna Bengeloun and children have since taken over the running of this operation after his death. Bubble Gift is entered in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and he remains a possible for the big race. Mikel Delzangles said: « He had not run badly in the Grand Prix de Paris (Gr1). We gave him a little
break afterwards, and he was well geared up for this. He’s a straight forward horse who goes on any ground. We'll talk to his owners, but his participation in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is possible. However, it will be a tough assignment! Failing that, he can race abroad, and be stepped up in trip... Everything is possible with him because he
combines both stamina and an ability to quicken.  » Mouna Bengeloun added: « We are delighted! He is a very late maturing colt, and Mikel Delzangles has done a great job with him, as he hasn’t asked too much of the colt, having given time to develop. As for the Arc, we will see with his trainer what he wants to do! ».

Regarding Baby Rider, a creditable second, Jean-Louis Bouchard, the colt's owner, said: « Baby Rider ran well. It would be a pleasure for me to try my luck in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. I have the impression that there won't be many French runners. We also have to see how the horse comes out of the race. »

- THE QATAR ARC TRIALS -

There were 10 races on the card at ParisLongchamp on Sunday 12 September 2021 for the Qatar Arc Trials, including 6 Group races (the world’s finest horses), many of whom will line up three weeks later at the world’s greatest horserace, the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

It is the perfect occasion to measure up against illustrious peers, to gain a precious edge and to forge a reputation.

As usual, the world’s greatest jockeys were there. For race fans it was a rare opportunity to see the very best in the sport of kings!

See you in 2022!