Speaking to reporters from Equidia and Jour de Galop in recent days, leading trainer Jean-Claude Rouget (picutred) has outlined plans for his star three-year-olds at Deauville next month, where they will be trained on site at the racecourse.
Vadeni
I’m delighted with his win in a race that is difficult for the French to win! He’s a 10-furlong colt that wants good ground. It was a bit fast for him at Sandown Park but it wasn’t an issue for him. His next race will be the Irish Champion Stakes, which times perfectly with his schedule.
You can compare Vadeni with Almanzor, although they are very different physically. Vadeni could have a similar program, heading next to the Qipco British Champion Stakes at Ascot in October.
Al Hakeem
He will run in the Group Two Prix Guillaume d’Ornano next month at Deauville. It’s the race for him. After he could go for the Prix Niel and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe [currently around a 40-1 shot on Betfair] if we step him up in trip, or he could stay at 10 furlongs.
Erevann
He is really well. We don’t have a lot of options and he will be sticking to the mile. The Prix Jacques Le Marois will be tough but I don’t have anything else for him. We’ll see – if he’s in good form he could for that. He would be running for a place but then the Prix du Moulin would be an easier Group One target next. He has the pedigree to be a stallion.
Others
Yukata, Zelda and Lassault are all promising and will also run at Deauville.