French star Facteur Cheval is being considered for a potential showdown with City Of Troy in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar.
Trained by Jerome Reynier, Facteur Cheval won the Dubai Turf at Meydan earlier this year and has also secured five placings in Group One races, most recently finishing with minor honours in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood for the second consecutive summer.
Last season, he finished second to fellow French horse Big Rock in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. While a return to Ascot on Qipco British Champions Day is still an option, connections are also eyeing the possibility of his first run on dirt at the Breeders’ Cup in California.
Reynier commented, "It’s possible we could return to Ascot on October 19, but it will depend on how the horse is doing in the meantime. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is also on the table. We don’t want to make any firm plans just yet, as it will depend on the ground and the competition. If the ground is soft enough, he could go to Ascot for either the QEII or the Champion Stakes since he handles heavy ground very well. He trained excellently on the dirt at Meydan and doesn’t mind the kickback, so the Breeders’ Cup could be a great challenge for him. We’ll make a decision closer to the time."