CARLOS IS NEEDLED
Vet could scupper French raider in QEII at Ascot
CARLOS LAFFON-PARIAS, the trainer of the crack French miler Recoletos, admits his greatest worry in today’s Qipco Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot is not the opposition but the vet.
On his latest visit to Ascot, the fouryear-old ran like he had scoffed too many croissants for breakfast after finishing in the ruck behind Accidental Agent in the Queen Anne Stakes at the royal meeting.
“He just did not perform because he had become upset after the vet arrived two hours before the race to take a blood sample,” said Laffon-Parias.
“Unfortunately, he doesn’t like needles. He was completely crazy when the vet arrived to take the blood test, and I think, that was why he ran like that.”
Laffon-Parias, who celebrated his greatest success when Solemia won him the 2012 Arc de Triomphe, is unsure what he will do if the vet wants to blood test his colt before today’s race.
“If the vet arrives, maybe he will stay in his box. But I don’t want to think about it!”
The British Horseracing Authority policy is not to reveal which horses will be randomly tested on the day of a race meeting in their attempt to eliminate the use of prohibited substances.
Recoletos put that unsettling experience behind him on his return to France by winning two Group One events at Longchamp – the Prix d’Ispahan and Prix du Moulin – which entitles him to take the accolade of the best horse currently racing in France.
In recent years, France has enjoyed an excellent record in the QEII. Solow (2015) and Charm Spirit (2014) both took the prize back across the Channel.
After the drubbing the British-trained horses handed out to the French at the Arc de Triomphe meeting earlier in the month, when they won five of the six Group races, the connections of Recoletos believe they can claw back some credibility.
“He ran a good race at Ascot last year behind Cracksman in the Champion Stakes,” said Laffon-Parias, who grew up in Spain.
“He was going well in second place before he just failed to last home when finishing fourth.
“We’ve now dropped him back in distance this season, which suits him much better. We had tried to win the French Derby with him but he finished third behind Brametot.
“Except for his run at Ascot this year, everything has been very good with him this season. His recent work is good and I’m going there quite confident.”
It is understandable why the Chantilly-based trainer rates his chances. The colt not only has done it on track but also could not be in better shape. Regarding the opposition, Laffon-Parias insists it could be the best mile race of the season.
This is backed up by Roaring Lion, the imperious winner of the Irish Champion Stakes, Juddmonte International and Eclipse Stakes, switching from the Champion Stakes to the QEII, on the account of the testing ground.
Connections of Laurens, the winner of five Group One races, believe her winning run is not yet over as they have forked out the £70,000 supplementary entry fee to run their star.
“Of course, we have Laurens to beat, but I feel she had a hard race the other day at Newmarket,” said Laffon-Parias.
“And now we have Roaring Lion in the contest.
“He’s obviously a very good horse, despite dropping back in trip. But will he perform on the soft ground?
“It will not be a concern for us. We go there with a good chance.” Laffon-Parias