RACING NEWS:JOHN OXX is desperate to avoid making another, last-minute call on Sea The Stars running in Sunday's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but has stressed again his reluctance to risk his superstar colt on soft ground at Longchamp.

The world’s highest rated racehorse is an odds-on favourite to complete a sixth Group One triumph in a row this weekend, and will have a final piece of work in preparation for the Arc tomorrow.

Ground conditions are good at the Paris track, but Oxx yesterday expressed some fears on the prospect of rain closer to the big race.

“Conditions can change very quickly at Longchamp. It’s a tricky place and it can turn soft very quickly,” the Curragh trainer said.

“Ground on the slow side of good, like we had at Leopardstown, would be fine. He loved that in the Champion Stakes. But if it gets soft, it does affect him. He just gets stuck in it.”

Oxx only gave Sea The Stars the final green light to run in the Irish Champion Stakes on the morning of the race after a number of anxious days when some bookmakers even stopped betting on the colt appearing at Leopardstown.

“I would hate that drama again, but it could happen. I just hope it won’t come to that.

“We will be looking at the weather forecast and if it is necessary I might have to go over there and have a look for myself. But I hope that won’t be necessary and everything stays settled,” he added.

Oxx could also be represented over the Arc weekend by Tanoura in the Prix de Royallieu, but there are some doubts about the participation of the Irish Leger winner Alandi, who has experienced some quarter-crack problems since his last start.

Mourayan has also had a hold-up since running in the English Leger and is doubtful for the Prix Jean de Chaudenay.