O'Brien confident for Soldier regardless of Triomphe result
Aidan O’Brien believes Soldier Of Fortune’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe prospects will not be scuppered if he suffers defeat in Sunday’s trial at Longchamp.
The Irish Derby winner has not been seen since his nine-length triumph on July 1 and O’Brien is sure he will benefit from the leg-stretch in the Prix Niel.
It certainly will not be an easy task, with impressive Grand Prix de Paris winner Zambezi Sun and the lightly-raced Sageburg in the field.
With only six declared runners, the Ballydoyle maestro will use Song Of Hiawatha as a pacemaker.
O’Brien explained: “Song of Hiawatha won’t mind bowling along – he doesn’t mind.
“We want to keep it an even pace because these trials are often run Mickey Mouse-like.
“Soldier of Fortune has had a break. Obviously he’s only a three-year-old.
“The plan has always been to go for the Arc trial and I’m very happy with him.
“Obviously we will be delighted if he wins, but he has had a break and if he gets beat it is not a disaster.
“He is sure to improve from that run.”
