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| Staff Writer |
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Rogue Lightning is set to illuminate ParisLongchamp once again as he prepares for a second tilt at the Gr.1 Prix de l'Abbaye on Sunday. The 4YO gelding, now flying the colours of Wathnan Racing after a US$1.23 million purchase last season, is looking to improve on his fifth-place finish in the same prestigious sprint 12 months ago.
Last year's Abbaye saw Rogue Lightning beaten just over a length from a wide draw, showcasing his potential on the big stage. The bay's recent outing over the same course and distance in the Gr.3 Prix du Petit Couvert resulted in a close third, missing out by a mere short head on soft ground.
With testing conditions expected for Sunday's contest, trainer Tom Clover remains upbeat about his charge's chances. "It's very much the plan to go to France for the Abbaye," Clover stated. "He ran well in the race last year from a difficult draw."
Clover is implementing a tactical switch in headgear, opting for straight blinkers following encouraging results during home workouts. "We're going to change up the head gear and change it for the straight blinkers as he's gone well in them at home," the Newmarket handler explained.
The Prix de l'Abbaye has a rich history of producing top-class sprinters. Notable recent winners include Glass Slippers, who followed up her 2019 victory with success in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, and Battaash, whose 2017 triumph kickstarted a period of dominance in European sprints.
Clover continued: "We have our fingers crossed for a good draw and that he should shape up pretty well. I appreciate it's a deep race but he looks in good form at home and I think he deserves to run."
Addressing the ground concerns, Clover added: "Looking at their going report, they envisage it's going to be French soft ground come Sunday, that will be English good to soft so that will be absolutely fine."
As the countdown to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe meeting intensifies, all eyes will be on Rogue Lightning as he attempts to strike gold in one of Europe's premier sprint contests. With a combination of proven course form, a strategic equipment change, and unwavering trainer confidence, the stage is set for a potentially electrifying performance in the French capital.