O'Brien remains hopeful

RACING: Almost 100 days after his Irish Derby success, High Chaparral will go into tomorrow's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Aidan O'Brien conceding that a lack of a recent race is a significant blow to his chance.  Brian O'Connor reports

Just two years ago, Sinndar became only the third Irish-trained horse to win an Arc in modern times, and complete an historic Epsom Derby-Curragh Derby-Arc de Triomphe treble into the bargain.

High Chaparral is on the same trail but unlike Sinndar, who followed the classical warm-up pattern of victory in the Prix Niel, the current Irish star has had a less than perfect preparation.

"Missing the Prix Niel was disappointing. He is in good form but obviously only as fit as we can get him without a run," O'Brien said yesterday.

Europe's premier all-aged race is the most significant gap in the Ballydoyle trainer's big race CV and the home team have a genuine favourite defending the Arc crown against him.

Sulamani picked up the French Derby in June, a race the likes of Montjeu, Peintre Celebre and Suave Dancer all won in the year of their subsequent Arc success.

Whether Sulamani is up to their class is debatable but one advantage that High Chaparral does have is his versatility.

"He has won on good to firm, good and soft. He doesn't mind the ground," O'Brien said.

High Chaparral has the better draw in five, compared to Sulamani's 13, and there is little doubt but that the home favourite would not find the current ground forecast of almost soft in his favour.

The same could be said for the Nassau Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks winner Islington. Lord Weinstock, who died earlier this year, was famously out of luck in this race with the likes of Troy, Ela Mana Mou and Sun Princess: Islington would be an appropriate winner in the circumstances.

Germany's Boreal and Godolphin's Marienbard add to the international flavour but if the ground is indeed genuinely soft, it could allow England's Asian Heights in with a big shout despite an outside draw.

Not since Urban Ocean's 37 to 1 success in 1993 has there been a real shock result but soft going would be ideal for Asian Heights' vulnerable legs and he has been trained for the Arc all year.

A lack of a prep' race and the impact of the cough at Ballydoyle in August could mean High Chaparral's autumn coronation might have to wait until the Breeders' Cup.

Kevin Prendergast allows Rebelline take her chance in the Prix de l'Opera where O'Brien runs two, including the luckless Quarter Moon, and Dermot Weld has Irresistible Jewel.

The four other Group One races also contain Irish-trained runners with four Ballydoyle colts trying to follow in Rock Of Gibraltar's Grand Criterium footsteps.