Lonchamp victory may be worth wait

CONNECTIONS of Worth Waiting are optimistic of the progressive filly’s chances in the Qatar Prix Vermeille at ParisLongchamp today.

The David Lanigan-trained three-year-old has come through the ranks this season to earn an opportunity at the top level.

Opening her account in a Redcar maiden in May, the daughter of Bated Breath went on to win a Windsor handicap, then a Listed race at Newmarket, before her big breakthrough victory in the Group Three Prix Minerve at Deauville last month.

That was probably her best performance as she swept three lengths clear of the runner-up Hermaphrodite. Zarkamiya, who reopposes, was a further length and a half away in third place.

“She’s working well and of course we are very hopeful,” said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saif Ali.

“I’ve been looking at the race and I think she must have a good chance. She is improving and the others may, hopefully, be standing still.

“I think Kitesurf looks the main danger. We’ve already beaten the Aga Khan’s filly (Zarkamiya). She won well that day.

“I don’t think the ground will be an issue and with improving fillies this time of year, why not have a go?”

Kitesurf represents Godolphin and Andre Fabre, who was pleased with her victory in the Group Two Prix de Pomone at Deauville last month.

“She has not won a Group One yet. She may be a little bit below top class, but she is in good shape and her last race was very encouraging,” said Fabre.

Aidan O’Brien is doublehanded with Ribblesdale Stakes scorer Magic Wand and Bye Bye Baby in an eightstrong field.

O’Brien relies on last year’s St Leger hero Capri in the Qatar Prix Foy, in which Fabre is responsible for three of the six runners.

His trio is headed by Talismanic, who bounced back from a disappointing run in the Dubai World Cup by taking the Prix Gontaut-Biron at Deauville a month ago.