High-Rise decision soon

A decision as to whether Epsom Derby winner High-Rise competes at the Breeders' Cup is expected within the next few days, the…

A decision as to whether Epsom Derby winner High-Rise competes at the Breeders' Cup is expected within the next few days, the colt's trainer Luca Cumani revealed yesterday.

Cumani's son of High Estate, who runs in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum, had been expected to have his last run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on October 4th.

But, repeatedly denied a run in the straight at Longchamp, he did not have a hard race in finishing seventh to Sagamix, prompting his connections to consider the Breeder's Cup Turf at Churchill Downs, Kentucky, on November 7th.

"There has been no firm decision yet," the Newmarket trainer said yesterday. "At the end of the day it is the owner's decision. He and I will discuss it and he will let me know what he wishes to do.

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"At the moment were are proceeding as if the horse is running. The horse is well - he is still a fresh horse - and a decision will be made by the owner in the next few days."

If High-Rise does travel to America it is unclear whether Michael Kinane, his jockey for the Arc, or Olivier Peslier, on board for his Derby win, would ride.

Asked as to jockey plans, Cumani added: "I don't know this stage."

High-Rise gave Cumani his second victory in the Derby, following Kahyasi in 1988.