Epsom Derby second Maltese Cross remains on track for the Grand Prix de Paris next week. The son of Sea The Stars ran a gallant race in defeat, staying on well behind Christmas Day.
The Somerville Lodge handler admitted subsequently that he thought the softening ground would stunt his fluent action. However, that has opened up avenues for the colt, particularly over in France on ground often softer. The contest looks to be a strong one, with Aidan O’Brien sending King Edward VIII Stakes winner Causeway. The son of Wootton Bassett is unbeaten in his last five starts since a debut fourth to Christmas Day.
Haggas told Sky Sports Racing, via At The Races: “That’s the plan, he runs there next week. We are very happy with him. “We thought he had a hard race at Epsom. But he’s in good form and he’s full of the joys of summer now. I hope he’ll be able to give a good account.
“He ran well, very well indeed in the Derby. I wasn’t sure he’d enjoy the ground because he’s such a fluent mover. He coped with it well, I was wrong about that, he handled the ground no problem.
“I think he tries very hard and in each race he’s had there’s been an improvement on the previous one. Taking on Aidan and his son and Monsieur Graffard, it won’t be a straightforward race, but it shouldn’t be either.”
St Leger in Haggas’ sights for Maltese Cross
Hailing from a talented, hardy middle distance family, it’s no surprise that Haggas has the St Leger on the agenda. He is entered in the Great Voltigeur and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but Doncaster has been noted as the target.
Haggas said: “He’s the perfect St Leger type for me, he’ll stay well and I think it’s the perfect race for him.
“I’m not the biggest fan long-term of the Leger. I respect it’s place in the calendar and it’s a fantastic race to win. But we’ve not had much luck in the race. Not that we’ve tried very hard, but he is an obvious candidate.
“Depending how we get on on Tuesday, that race will be firmly in our sights, I’m sure.”
The form of the Derby has thus far worked out, which will please Maltese Cross’ connections.
The winner was subsequently second in the Irish Derby, with the seventh, Pierre Bonnard, then third to that pair.