Grand Prix de Paris winner Maltese Cross has given connections a headache regarding future targets after his gutsy success in France.
The Derby runner up got up late in the day, pipping King Edward VII second Ancient Egypt. The Sea The Stars colt shot to the fore of the St-Leger market, but an Arc tilt remains in conversation.
William Haggas told the Press Association, via At The Races, that: “It was terrific to see him win. It was an interesting race and not a comfortable watch. But it was OK in the end and he got there just in time, so I’m delighted.
“He’s an interesting horse as he just keeps winning. He’s really good and is going the right way. The two races for him clearly are the St Leger and the Arc. That’s the long and short of it and at the moment I don’t know which one it will be. But we’ll give them both some thought.”
‘We’ve got bags of time to discuss’ – William Haggas
Maltese Cross is quickly developing into a high class contender for Somerville Lodge with form figures of 211121. Owned by Hollywood star George Waud, he’s already recouped his 350,000GNS sales fee in prize money, earning £765,169.
William Haggas is in no rush to make a decision on the remainder of his season, though has identified the respective routes. Haggas said: “We’ve got bags of time to discuss and decide what we’re going to do. I’ve not a clue which way we’ll go at this stage. I think he will stay the St Leger trip. But last night showed me that a strong pace will suit him well. And they usually go fast in the Arc.
“I guess the only problem is he loves the fast ground. Although he ran well on soft ground in the Derby, I’m not sure he’d want it bottomless in the Arc.
“He would need another race if he goes to the Arc. But I don’t know if we can get another race into him if he goes for the St Leger.”
A likely next race is the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York’s Ebor meeting. William Haggas won the race with Storm The Stars in 2015, en-route to finishing fourth in the St Leger. However, the Great Voltigeur would likely be a path to France, as opposed to Doncaster suggests Haggas.
“I would think it would either be Great Voltigeur then Arc if we go that route. Or nothing and straight to the St Leger.”