Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), best known for his staying heroics, will have Olivier Peslier aboard in the Oct. 4 G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. A MG1SW stayer, the John Gosden trainee normally partners with Frankie Dettori, but with that rider booked for a chance at immortality with two-time Arc heroine and stablemate Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), another jockey had to be found. Originally under consideration was Andrea Atzeni, who has found success with the chestnut in two editions of the G1 Goodwood Cup, but his obligations as the retained rider for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid at Newmarket the week after put paid to his eligibility due to the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions.
“It's fantastic to pick up the ride–Stradivarius is a super horse,” said Peslier, who has won the Arc four times. “There are a lot of very good horses in the race, of course, but I think this week there is a lot of rain coming–and I don't think it will be a problem for him. He is a stayer and a very famous horse.
“I have the experience and know the track well. I am very confident, and we need to fight for that [fifth Arc win].”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
