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| Staff Writer |
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Having watched his father Freddy Head saddle the magnificent Goldikova to three consecutive Breeders' Cup Mile triumphs, trainer Christopher Head is hoping Ramatuelle can continue the family's remarkable association with the prestigious race at Del Mar on Saturday.
The Mile's roll of honour features some of racing's finest, with Goldikova's hat-trick (2008-2010) standing as the pinnacle of French success. The brilliant mare, who also claimed four Group One races at home, rounded off her career with a gallant third in 2011. Other notable victors include the Head-ridden Miesque, who captured back-to-back renewals in 1987-88, and more recently Modern Games, who triumphed for Godolphin in 2022.
The 3YO filly, part-owned by NBA legend Tony Parker, enters the US$2 million contest in peak form, having produced a scintillating display to land the Gr.1 Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs at ParisLongchamp. That performance, coming on Arc day, showcased her devastating turn of foot that could prove crucial from her favourable inside draw.
"Everything is all right with Ramatuelle," reports Head, whose stable has undergone significant changes this term following the departure of Group One performers Blue Rose Cen and Big Rock.
"Her number in the draw is pretty OK because she has that turn of foot that can gain her any position and it was evident when she won the Foret."
The trainer added: "I'm confident about her stamina and we know she's very good between seven furlongs and a mile. I look back at Goldikova who was so perfect in every way and I'm very proud to train for the Wertheimers."
Standing in Ramatuelle's path is Godolphin's formidable Notable Speech, winner of this year's 2000 Guineas, as Charlie Appleby's charge seeks to maintain the operation's recent dominance in the event. However, with the Head family's rich history in the race and Ramatuelle's current form, French hopes are riding high for another memorable Mile success.