 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |  |
Juddmonte pays hefty supplement for female challenger
As the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe approaches, the racing world's attention is fixed on Longchamp, where a stellar field is assembling for the prestigious Gr.1 contest on Sunday. Among the top contenders, Bluestocking and Look De Vega are emerging as key players in what promises to be a thrilling renewal of Europe's premier middle-distance race.
In a bold move, Juddmonte has paid a US$127,000 supplementary fee to enter their homebred filly Bluestocking in the Arc. Trained by Ralph Beckett, the 4YO will spearhead Britain's challenge alongside David Menuisier's Sunway. Bluestocking's jockey, Rossa Ryan, is brimming with confidence, stating: "She's going there with a live chance. Hopefully we get a good draw and it allows us to ride the race we want to ride. We'll need a bit of luck, but she's definitely worthy of being there and is in there with a good chance too."
The filly's impressive 2023 campaign, featuring victories in the Gr.1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh and the Gr.1 Prix Vermeille over the Arc course and distance, has certainly justified her connections' faith. Ryan added: "It's brilliant how versatile she is, as it makes my job a lot easier. It was a strong running of the Vermeille, probably stronger than in recent years. You look at what the past winners like Treve and Tarnawa went on to do afterwards, so it's well within her grasp to be competitive."
Meanwhile, the French challenge is led by Look De Vega, now running in the colours of Al Shaqab Racing. The Carlos and Yann Lerner-trained colt lost his unbeaten record last time out in the Prix Niel but is expected to bounce back on the big day. Co-trainer Yann Lerner explained the colt's preparation, saying: "After the Jockey Club the horse had a break, we gave him three weeks off and then slowly started to bring him back for the second half of the season. During his break he put on quite a bit of weight and he had lost some of it by the time he went into the Prix Niel but he was still quite far away from his usual weight."
Lerner remains optimistic about Look De Vega's chances, adding: "Since the Prix Niel that weight has dropped and his last work showed that he is back to his weight that he was before."
The Arc boasts a rich history of champions, with fillies and mares enjoying particular success in recent years. Nine have triumphed since the turn of the century, most recently Alpinista in 2021. Juddmonte has a storied association with the race, having claimed victory six times previously with the likes of Enable (2017, 2018), Workforce (2010), Rail Link (2006), Dancing Brave (1986), and Rainbow Quest (1985).
Last year's Arc saw a stunning performance from Ace Impact, who stormed to victory ahead of the Juddmonte-owned Westover. The race has often been a springboard to further success, with dual winner Enable going on to claim multiple Group One races across Europe and even venturing to the Breeders' Cup in America.
As the final declarations approach, racing fans are eagerly anticipating the draw, which can play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this 2,400-metre test. With a maximum field of 20 runners allowed, the starting positions could prove pivotal for both Bluestocking and Look De Vega as they vie for glory in one of the world's most prestigious races.
Juddmonte's racing manager Barry Mahon summed up the excitement surrounding their filly's participation: "It was a straightforward decision. The owners have been very keen all season to give it a whirl and as long as she was in good form it was a no-brainer. She's a two-time group 1 winner, we know she likes the track and a little bit of ease in the ground ... Ralph was happy with her on Wednesday morning when she cantered and all of her tests checked out. Rossa knows her inside out and is a top-class rider."
As the racing world counts down to Sunday's spectacle, all eyes will be on Longchamp to see if Bluestocking can continue the recent trend of filly success in the Arc, or if Look De Vega can return to his best and claim victory for France. With a stellar field assembling, including Irish Derby hero Los Angeles and Japanese star Shin Emperor, the 2023 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is shaping up to be a classic renewal of this iconic race.