Lah Ti Dar Bids for First Group 1 in Prix Royal-Oak
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Photo: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Lah Ti Dar (pink cap) defeats Rawdaa in the Middleton Stakes at York
Connections believe the classy mare Lah Ti Dar has a great chance of breaking her group 1 duck in the Prix Royal-Oak (G1) Oct. 27, with Frankie Dettori aiming for yet another top-level success this season.
The John Gosden-trained 4-year-old has a fine record, which includes a second in last season's William Hill St. Leger (G1) and a group 2 success in York's Al Basti Eqiworld Dubai Middleton Fillies' Stakes. That York success in May was her most recent victory, but this step up in trip could see her get back to winning ways after four subsequent defeats
Simon Marsh, racing manager for owner Lord Lloyd-Webber, said: "It's a very competitive race, but she deserves to run. The ground is going to be very soft, but she gets the trip well. She's in really good form, and hopefully she'll run a big race."
Of a possible post-race retirement, Marsh added: "No decision has been made yet."
Martyn Meade returns to ParisLongchamp with Technician, who is 2-for-2 at the track. He was a listed winner in June before landing the Prix Chaudenay (G2)—a key trial for this race—last time.
Meade said: "Looking at the ground and the forecast, it's going to be a bit of a war of attrition. We'll look at the ground in the morning before we make a final decision (whether to run), but he's in good form.
"He relishes soft ground, but he wouldn't want it bottomless. He's going to have to improve."
Freddy Head still holds the record for Prix Royal-Oak wins by a jockey with six, and he seeks his first success as a trainer with the consistent stayer Call The Wind.
The son of Frankel has not won in six starts this season but has finished in the top four in all his runs and was narrowly beaten in the Qatar Prix du Cadran (G1) on Arc weekend last time.
"He's doing well, and I'm very happy with him," Head said. "He's come out of his last run well. The ground will be quite soft, but I don't think that'll be a problem.
Holdthasigreen is looking for successive victories in the race and arrives in top form, having battled on to beat Call The Wind in the Cadran. Called To The Bar won at group 3 level last time.