Hurricane Lane to Face Alenquer in Grand Prix de Paris
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Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post
Jockey William Buick celebrates aboard Hurricane Lane after landing the Irish Derby at the Curragh
Charlie Appleby and Godolphin get the chance to add another significant success to what has become a marquee year with their 3-year-old colts at ParisLongchamp July 14 as Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (G1) hero Hurricane Lane returns to the fray in what looks a very strong Grand Prix de Paris (G1).
Having run an honorable third to stablemate Adayar in the Cazoo Derby (G1) at Epsom, the son of Frankel produced an irresistible surge at the Curragh to run down Lone Eagle .
While such an effort might have floored many for a few weeks, Appleby has been surprised by the apparent speed of Hurricane Lane's recovery.
Hurricane Lane wins the Irish Derby at the Curragh
"Hurricane Lane heads to Paris in good order," said Appleby. "We expected him to need some time after what looked a hard race in the Irish Derby but he surprised us with how well he came out of it.
"He worked nicely over the weekend and we opted to take this route as there is plenty of time between now and the St. Leger (G1). This looks a good opportunity to hopefully win another group 1 over a mile and a half and he looks the one to beat."
Hurricane Lane was added to the field at the supplementary stage on Saturday and will be ridden by regular partner William Buick, who along with James Doyle will be making their first trip across to France of the season.
Doyle partners impressive King Edward VII Stakes (G2) winner Alenquer for William Haggas and MM Stables, following the news that Tom Marquand would not be able to travel as he has not yet received a second COVID-19 vaccination.
"He's a nice horse and although he's got an awkward draw (stall 11 of 11), it is a mile and a half so he's got a long run to the bend to get sorted out," said Haggas. "He won on good ground at Sandown and I don't want it too soft.
"He's done very well and he's progressive, though he'll need to be to beat Hurricane Lane."
Aidan O'Brien is three-handed in his bid to add to an excellent recent record in the race, having taken the last three editions with Kew Gardens , Japan , and Mogul . This year he will be represented by Sir Lamorak, The Mediterranean , and Wordsworth .
Officials at Longchamp have changed the order of earlier races on the card in case further rain requires them to move the running rail on the Grand Piste to open up fresh ground.
The official going on Tuesday morning was good (3.1 on the penetrometer) but the forecast was for between six and 15 millimetres of rain, meaning soft or very soft could come into the equation.