Alpine Star Targets Top-Level Return in Prix de l'Opera
Image:
Description:
Photo: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post
Alpine Star wins the Coronation Stakes at Ascot Racecourse
Prix de Diane Longines (G1) runner-up Alpine Star could be in pole position to go one better with her Chantilly conqueror Fancy Blue having been ruled out of the Oct. 4 Prix de l'Opera Longines (G1) the evening before the race.
Alpine Star's sole start since the Diane, in which she was beaten a short neck, came at Deauville where she finished second to Palace Pier on heavy ground in the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-Le-Buffard Jacques Le Marois (G1).
Shane Foley is reunited with Alpine Star for the 10-furlong event for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up, and trainer Jessica Harrington said: "The Marois took quite a bit out of her, so we've given her plenty of time to get over it. She's in great form now and we've always thought this was her best trip."
Dermot Weld has enlisted the services of Christophe Soumilion for the markedly progressive Tarnawa, who defeated Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) runner Raabihah in the Qatar Prix Vermeille (G1) over a mile and four furlongs at ParisLongchamp last month.
Weld said: "She's in great form and I'm happy with her in every way apart from the ground, which I'm concerned about. Her five group wins have all been on quite nice ground."
The leading hope for France is unbeaten Prix Saint Alary (G1) winner Tawkeel, who handled very soft ground to win the Shadwell Prix de la Nonette (G2) at Deauville last time.
Jean-Claude Rouget said: "Tawkeel worked well on Tuesday—she's in perfect condition and will run her race."
James Fanshawe landed this race four years ago with Prix Jean Romanet (G1) winner Speedy Boarding and bids to repeat the top-level double with sole British-trained runner Audarya.
Ioritz Mendizabal's mount took the giant leap from class 2 handicap company at Newcastle to group 1 level at Deauville with aplomb, springing a 48-1 shock success on soft ground.
Fanshawe said: "I wasn't sure the soft ground at Deauville would suit her last time, but it was pretty testing there, so hopefully she handles conditions at Longchamp. This is a stronger race, but she's well in herself and has proven form on soft ground."