Eddery on Shaamit at Longchamp

PAT EDDERY has been booked to ride the Epsom Derby winner, Shaamit, in the Forte Meridien Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on next Sunday week.

The 10 times British champion, who has four victories in the race to his credit with successes aboard Detroit, Rainbow Quest, Dancing Brave and Trempolino, has become available for the race following the news that Dushyantor, runner up at Epsom and in the St Leger at Doncaster nine days ago, will not travel to Longchamp.

Shaamit's trainer William Haggas said: "We have booked Pat Eddery to ride Shaamit in the Arc and we are absolutely delighted to have him on the horse.

"Pat has ridden Shaamit before, which is a big advantage, and the other thing we have in our favour is that now we don't have him riding against us, which is very good news.

Shaamit is in very good form and, of course, Pat knows just what it takes to win an Arc.

Eddery was in the saddle when Shaamit finished third to Pentire in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot in July.

Michael Hills, who rode the son of Mtoto to victory at Epsom, came in ford criticism after Shaamit had finished fourth to Timarida in a steadily run Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown two weeks ago.

Kevin Prendergast, with the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and the Melbourne Cup to choose from, expects to confirm Oscar Schindler's next target later this week - although the Irish St Leger winner may launch an ambitious assault on both races.

Prendergast reports his four year old in good shape after his three and a half length triumph at the Curragh on Saturday, and the Friarstown trainer will consult the colt's owner breeder Oliver Lehane before announcing plans for the chestnut.

"I will talk to the owner and see what he says, and we should have come to a decision by midweek - Wednesday or Thursday," he said.

"Personally I would like to go for the Melbourne Cup, because I think he would have a great chance of winning it. He got beaten a long way in the King George and although he has improved, he would come up against some of them in the Arc.

"But we might go for both races - I know Sheikh Mohammed is thinking of trying for both with Classic Cliche."

Oscar Schindler's win on Saturday came over a mile and six furlongs, but Prendergast expressed no qualms about dropping him back to 12 furlongs for the Arc.

He has such a high cruising speed, I think he could run at a mile and a quarter," he added. Saturday's was a good Group One race.

As well as deciding whether to travel to Longchamp or to Flemington on November 5th, connections also have to decide on a jockey for the colt.

Michael Kinane, who rode him to victory in the Ormonde Stakes at Chester and Royal Ascot's Hardwicke Stakes earlier in the season, was claimed to ride Gordi for Dermot Weld at the Curragh, handing a winning opportunity to Stephen Craine.

Mick Kinane was not available, so Stephen rode him but whether he will still ride him is up to the owner," added Prendergast. "He pays the bills and we just do as we are told."