Head issues Golikova warning
August 14, 2010 09:40:43 UK
Freddie Head has warned Goldikova's rivals that his star mare is in the best possible form going into Sunday's Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.
The five-year-old secured an unprecedented 10th Group One triumph in the Prix Rothschild at the French track two weeks ago, her third successive win in the race.
Head admits the mare now faces a tougher task this weekend though, as she once again locks horns with Richard Hannon's Paco Boy, who was just a neck behind Goldikova in the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot back in June.
You can back Goldikova to win the race at odds of 1.66, with Paco Boy currently 3.25.
"I think she's as well as she's ever been. I was very impressed last time, I must say," said Head.
"I was very happy with her last run because at Ascot she had a very tough race and I wondered how she would come out of it, but she showed that she was at her best.
"It's going to be a different race, it's going to be tough to beat Paco Boy, there is no doubt, because there will be fewer runners so he will be closer than last time.
"The only thing is we are going to be in our garden and he will have to travel to France, which was the difference at Ascot.
"Ascot is a very tough mile and I think at the end she got very tired. Here she's in her own garden, she loves it here.
"After this, maybe I will run her in the Prix du Moulin, I won't take her to England.
"She's in all the races like the Sun Chariot and the QEII but I don't want to give her another trip.
"Maybe we'll try the Moulin then won't run her again (before the Breeders' Cup). I wanted to run her in the Prix de la Foret but I've changed my mind a bit, it all depends on Sunday."
Hannon's son and assistant Richard Hannon junior is excited about a rematch with Goldikova and is confident Paco Boy will once again give her a run for her money.
"He's heading over to France tonight and is in really good form," said Hannon junior.
"I think everyone is relishing taking on Goldikova again and I think he's got every chance.
"On the Ascot run there isn't a lot between them and he worked super on Thursday, so lets go for it.
"I think the ground is on the soft side of good at the moment, which will be fine for him.
"It would be great for the horse to claim a big scalp like Goldikova and we think he's got a good chance."
While Paco Boy and Goldikova appear to be the horses to beat, 2000 Guineas winner Makfi (8.00) is an interesting contender for Mikel Delzangles.
The three-year-old needs to bounce back to form, however, having disappointed in the St James's Palace Stakes.
Fuisse (11.00), Runaway (81.00), Only Green (201.00), Royal Bench (51.00) and Saying (101.00) complete the eight-runner line up.
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