Longchamp, Paris // Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad’s Al Shaqab operation strengthened its position ahead of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting here in three weeks when its horses dominated the star-studded card on Trials Day.
Ectot blew a much-needed breath of fresh air into the build-up to Europe’s championship race with a power-packed performance to win the Prix Niel for trainer Elie Lellouche.
On a day when it was revealed that Kingman had suffered a throat infection and might miss British Champions Day next month, Ectot showed a turn of foot in the straight reminiscent of the great miler.
It was Ectot’s first run since April, and after a quick burst he had far too much in the tank with jockey Gregory Benoist on board for Christophe Lemaire and Teletext to catch him.
The victory followed up that of Dahor De Brugere for Al Shaqab in the Qatar Cup Prix Dragon, and the Purebred Arabian ridden by Jean-Bernard D’Eyquem will now start as the overwhelming favourite for the Arabian World Cup on the Arc card.
If that was not enough, Ruler Of The World made up for last year’s unlucky second place in the Prix Niel by shrugging off his absence from the racecourse stretching back to a disappointing run at Meydan in the Dubai World Cup with a win in the Prix Foy under Frankie Dettori.
Sheikh Joaan bought a 50 per cent share in Ectot last week and it looks a mightily good piece of business now he looks to have a leading chance in the Arc.
“Ectot was good,” the Sheikh said. “I was a bit nervous as he hadn’t run for months. He did it well and I hope he continues in that vein.”
It did not all go the Sheikh’s way on the day Qatar sponsors, however, as Treve finished out of the places when reunited with Thierry Jarnet in the Group 1 Prix Vermeille won by Andre Fabre’s Baltic Baroness.
Later Toronado had no answer to Freddy Head’s Charm Spirit in the Group 1 Prix Moulin and had to settle for second ahead of Saeed Manana’s Night Of Thunder.
Much like Ectot over an hour earlier, Treve was held up at the rear. Where last season Treve’s blistering acceleration settled the issue throughout an unbeaten campaign, when Jarnet pressed the button there was little response.
Fourth place after a layoff going back to Royal Ascot in June is hardly the end of the road for Treve, but so close to a defence of her Arc title it is certainly worrying.
“Treve has proved that she is a great filly and has nothing to prove any more,” Sheikh Joaan countered. “She has won her race and has been placed in her last few races. She remains in the Arc and nothing changes. I don’t think that this is disappointing.”
The successes of Ectot and Ruler Of The World handed a lifeline to Dettori, who had appeared to be without a ride in the Arc despite his retainer to Al Shaqab.
He now has to decide whether to stick or twist for his Arc ride, as Benoist has first choice between Ectot and Avenir Certain, the unbeaten dual Classic-winning filly. Dettori may be able to ride Benoist’s cast-off.
The Arc picture is much clearer, but there is still a lot to be decided. Most of it by Sheikh Joaan.
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