Rashabar Targets Lagardere Glory in Season Finale

Rashabar aims to end his year on a high with a bid for Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere glory at ParisLongchamp this Sunday. Trained by Brian Meehan, the Coventry Stakes winner was runner-up to Aidan O’Brien’s Whistlejacket in the Prix Morny earlier in the summer. Despite passing on the National Stakes in Ireland, Rashabar is set to cross the Channel again, stepping up to seven furlongs.

Originally considered for the Breeders’ Cup later in the year, his connections now expect this will be his final race of a successful juvenile season. Instead, they have their sights on next year’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains, planning his return to France next May.

"He’s come out of the Morny really well. We considered the National Stakes, but decided to keep him fresh. With the French premiums, this race became the clear target," said Sam Sangster, manager of owners Manton Thoroughbreds. "This will likely be his swansong for the year, and next spring we’ll follow a similar path to Isaac Shelby, with the Greenham Stakes and French Guineas in mind. He’s got an outstanding temperament, and while he could go to the Breeders’ Cup, we believe he’s a horse for next year."

Other key contenders in the Lagardere include John and Thady Gosden’s Solario Stakes winner Field Of Gold and Aidan O’Brien’s Henri Matisse. The seven-furlong contest is one of six Group One races on Arc Day.

In the Prix Marcel Boussac, O’Brien’s standout filly Bedtime Story looks to redeem herself after a disappointing Moyglare Stud Stakes performance, while the five-furlong Prix de l’Abbaye features Archie Watson’s Nunthorpe and Flying Five champion Bradsell among 21 entries.

Ralph Beckett’s Kinross will attempt to reclaim the Prix de la Foret title after losing to Kelina last year, while Karl Burke’s Fallen Angel remains among the 18 hopefuls in the Prix de l’Opera, following her strong run behind Porta Fortuna in the Matron Stakes.