Benbaun Abbaye-bound
Trainer Mark Wallace has revealed star sprinter Benbaun is set to take his chance in the Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc Day.
Wallace’s four-year-old, who finished second behind Noelani in a Group Three six-furlong event at the Curragh last time, is still entered for the Rous Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday.
However, the Newmarket handler confirmed the Stravinksy gelding will sidestep the Listed event on the Rowley Mile in preference to the Group One race at Longchamp on Sunday, ground permitting.
“He’s in the form of his life, he looks great, and I really want to run him in the Abbaye,” said Wallace.
“He’s in the Rous Stakes at the moment but I’m not going to declare him for that because he will take some beating in France.
“He just didn’t quite get home the other day [at the Curragh] but there’s nothing that can get near him over five furlongs.
“The only thing is the ground. I’ve spoken to a few people and I think we will be okay; good ground will be perfect.
“I’ve more or less made the decision. We are going to take a chance as fortune favours the brave.”
Prix de l’Abbaye:
Coral bet: 10-3 Chineur, 9-2 The Tatling, 8-1 La Cucaracha, Avonbridge, Benbaun, 10-1 Patavellian, 11-1 Majestic Missile, Nipping, 12-1 Striking Ambition, 16-1 Osterhase, 20-1 Royal Millennium, 25-1 Miss Emma, 40-1 Continent, Bahamian Pirate, 50-1 Orientor
