Before she returns to Ascot for the Gold Cup, David Menuisier intends to give Caius Chorister one more race to improve his Sagaro Stakes runner-up.
The five-year-old set a career best when she won the Group Three Prix Belle de Nuit at the end of the previous season, demonstrating her continued improvement from her first attempt at two miles. She even managed to beat the reigning champion and Ascot Gold Cup runner-up, Coltrane, by a head.
While owner Clive Washbourn is already making room on his mantlepiece for the trophy, Caius Chorister's handler is taking a more thoughtful approach to her position in the staying division. It was a performance that sparked connections at Royal Ascot.
Menuisier said: “She’s absolutely grand and has taken the race at Ascot really well. I think she will improve for that and has earnt her place in the top staying races. I think a lot of the stayers have been around for a while now and it’s great if she can be the new blood in the division. People may not have realised, but she was carrying a 3lb penalty in the race and it does enhance the performance even more when you consider that. We’re remaining grounded – well I am, I’m not sure about the owner – but it is extremely exciting to be a part of her.”
Menuisier is considering returning to his home country to compete in the Group Two Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at Paris Longchamp three days later, since Caius Chorister will once more be subject to a penalty if he runs at Sandown in the Chasemoor Farm Henry II Stakes on May 23.
The race will probably not be straight to Ascot, as she gets fresh really quickly, and it wouldn't be ideal to risk being too fresh before a race like the Gold Cup, according to Menuisier. Previous winners of the race include French staying star Vazirabad.
Menuisier continued: “I think I would like to slot in a race in between, with a strong chance she goes to France for the Group Two, the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier. That is probably more likely than the Henry II Stakes for the good reason that she won’t carry a penalty, like she would have to at Sandown.”