SUNDAY’S Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup could soon be given a massive boost as connections of Vadeni have revealed they are seriously considering supplementing the French star for this weekend's Curragh mission at a cost of €45,000.
It would mean a rematch between last year’s brilliant Coral-Eclipse winner and his old foe Luxembourg, while Qipco Champion Stakes winner Bay Bridge is also understood to be in the mix.
Luxembourg prevailed in an absorbing finish to the 2022 Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, with Vadeni finishing third after a slightly troubled trip.
Jean-Claude Rouget’s impressive French Derby winner went on to finish an excellent second to Alpinista in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on his next start, as Luxembourg finished down the field with a pulled muscle.
Connections of Vadeni have until 12pm on Tuesday to supplement the recent Prix Ganay fourth into the line-up.
Speaking to The Irish Field on Monday morning, Aga Khan racing manager Georges Rimaud said: “It will be necessary to supplement him if we want to run him and we are thinking seriously about it. It’s a very strong possibility.
“He has come out of his run well in the Prix Ganay. He needed the race. I actually saw him this morning and he worked well. Based on how he comes out of this work and what the trainer thinks, the decision will be made about running at the Curragh.
“Looking at his races last season, he didn’t seem to mind good ground or soft ground. Originally we thought he might be better on fast ground but he turned out to have a very good performance in the Arc over a long distance on pretty rough ground. He’s quite adaptable and I think he’ll do well in any ground.”
On whether Vadeni could take in both the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot next month, Rimaud said: “Right now we’re taking one step at a time. If he goes to the Curragh we’ll worry about the next race afterwards.”
O’Brien confirmed Luxembourg is on course for the €450,000 prize when speaking at Naas on Sunday. The dual Group 1 winner never landed a telling blow when turned over as 10/11 favourite on his comeback in the Group 2 Coolmore Stud Sottsass Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh.
“We’re very happy with Luxembourg and he’s made great progress since his first start of the season,” said O’Brien.
“Visualisation won nicely for Joseph [O'Brien] and our horse was a bit ring-rusty. Maybe it wasn’t a strong pace and that wasn’t to his benefit. He’s come out of the race well and has progressed well.”
Ground conditions at the Curragh were described as good, good to firm in places on Monday morning, with some watering taking place. The forecast is for a dry week with warm temperatures.
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