Head: Goldikova better than ever
Freddie Head is in bullish mood as he prepares Goldikova to defend her crown in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita on Saturday.
The Frenchman famously partnered the brilliant Miesque to two successive victories in the same race and is confident his four-year-old filly can match that achievement.
Despite her surprising defeat in the Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs at the Arc meeting, Head believes she is in the form of her life.
“She’s travelled very well and came in yesterday. She had a good journey over and will have her first experience of the track on Wednesday,” said Head.
“Her performance in the Foret does not bother me at all as it was a no-race, everything went wrong.
“They went too fast, she was drawn badly, it was only a prep race and the jockey thought there was nothing in there that could beat her.
“I’m very confident that she can emulate Miesque, I think she is better than last year, she’s in better condition and has travelled better as well.
“I’m frightened of everyone but I would say that Delegator is probably the horse to beat.
“You do need a bit of luck in these races. I hope we get a draw on the inside, but I don’t think that’ll be a problem and what i want more than anything is a good pace and the faster they go the better.”
Looking towards next season Head revealed she could stay in training.
“She could be around in 2010, we’ll see how she comes out of the race and what she does subsequently but the owners are not against her staying in training next year. She won’t run again this season after the weekend.”
Head also runs Only Green in the Filly & Mare Sprint Sprint and added: “Only Green has travelled well too, she’s a nice little filly without being top class.
“She’s an improving sort and with a good run I would like to think she would get a place.
“She’s owned by the same people (as Goldikova, the Wertheimer brothers), the two horses work together at home and the owners were keen that they came out together.
“She’s won on the Polytrack at Deauville so that should not be a problem.”
