Jerome Reynier has decided to stick with a familiar path for Facteur Cheval, who will compete in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot.
The five-year-old gelding finished second, six lengths behind Big Rock, in last year’s mile race and has had a limited campaign this season. He won the Dubai Turf in March before placing sixth in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot and third in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
Reynier and Team Valor had considered a Breeders’ Cup Classic bid, with Facteur Cheval also entered the Champion Stakes. However, they ultimately chose to keep him at a mile for the QEII on October 19.
"Facteur Cheval is in great shape," Reynier said. "We thought about the Breeders’ Cup, but it made sense to follow last year’s plan and return to Ascot for the QEII."
"I think you can disregard his Queen Anne run as he lost a shoe and raced on the wrong side. At Goodwood, the ground was a bit too firm, but he still ran well. He’s in better form now than before the Sussex Stakes, and his recent gallop was excellent."
Big Rock entered to defend his QEII title but has struggled for form this season. The main French challenge comes from 2000 Guineas winner Metropolitan, trained by Mario Baratti. After winning the ParisLongchamp Classic in May, the Zarak colt placed third in the St James’s Palace Stakes and second in the Prix Jacques le Marois behind fellow QEII contender Charyn.
Baratti commented, "Metropolitan has continued to improve since the Jacques le Marois. He’s getting stronger, and I’m pleased with his preparation for Champions Day. We considered stepping him up in distance, which is why he’s also entered in the Champion Stakes, but sticking to a mile seems like the right choice for now."