Maltese Cross connections are aiming to give William Haggas a belated first Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe as the Longchamp classic approaches this weekend.
By 2009 Arc hero Sea The Stars, Maltese Cross has improved with every run on RPR’s in his career. His Newbury novice win on seasonal debut was followed by a neck success in the Lingfield Derby Trial.
Connections hoped last year that Maltese Cross could be a Derby candidate, and he ran an excellent race in second. Following two subsequent victories, including over the Arc course and distance, connections believe he’s yet to hit his peak.
Speaking to the Press Association, via Racing TV, Gavin Chengalanee – owner George Waud’s racing adviser – said: “If we go back to this time last year, William did say he thinks he’s got a good one. But we didn’t know whether that would translate as a Derby runner, or something else.
“We had a lovely Christmas speaking on the phone and thinking what does he mean by that. William was smiling. But we were also learning that there is always so much that can go wrong over a winter. So his Newbury comeback left us absolutely thrilled.”
“He’s going to get involved” – Chengalanee expecting a strong showing
Little went right for Maltese Cross prior to the Derby, as he was birthed in a historically unfavourable draw. Alongside that, the heavens opened and conditions were treacherous. Despite coping with the ground, Haggas has long believed he’s a better animal on quicker ground.
Chengalanee continued, stating: “it would be amazing if it was reversed and we could get a low draw and good weather. He deserves that stroke of luck I think. Tom Marquand is particularly keen about sun and good ground. I think with his turn of foot the two together could be a potent weapon.”
Maltese Cross holds a significant advantage over his rivals having already demonstrated his ability to overcome adversity at the track. Chengalanee added: “His win over course and distance showed his turn of foot and his ability to get through gaps. It sticks in the memory as a positive ahead of the Arc because if it turns out to be a big field, which is likely, and if he’s drawn out wide, then again he’ll have to come through traffic.
“He always runs his race. It’s not like he’s going to come out of the stalls and have a little sit down. He’s going to be right there and he’s going to get involved.”