NEWS
Goldikova enters final Breeders’ Cup prep on winning streak
Posted: Thursday, October 01, 2009 4:26 PM
by Mike Curry
Goldikova (Ire) enters the Total Prix de la Foret (Fr-G1) on Saturday at Longchamp on a three-race winning streak and could not have been more impressive in her previous start, winning a Group 1 race by six lengths under a hand ride from regular rider Olivier Peslier.
The Prix de la Foret would be a glittering addition to Goldikova’s impressive résumé. With a field of 14 entered for the 1,400-meter (6.96-furlong) race, the Prix de la Foret figures to present a tough challenge as Goldikova will break from the outside post in her final start prior to the TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) on November 7 at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park meeting.
Trained by Freddie Head for owners Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, Goldikova has five victories at the highest level in three different countries, including a visually impressive victory in the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Mile.
The four-year-old Anabaa filly enters the Prix de la Foret off a dominant victory over against a strong field in the Prix de Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard-Jacques Le Marois (Fr-G1) on August 16 at Deauville.
"She's kept her form well and is in good condition. There are no invincible horses, but she is very well,” Head told At The Races. “The draw is not great but it should not be a problem and she has plenty of speed for seven furlongs."
Miesque (1987, ‘88) and Lure (’92, ‘93) are the only repeat winners of the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Head, who was Miesque’s regular rider, said after the Jacques Le Marois that he thought Goldikova was better than Miesque.
"I think she is superior to Miesque as she is better in the head,” Head told Racing Post.
If Miesque wins the Breeders’ Cup for a second time, Head said she will continue her racing career at five.
"The Wertheimer brothers have said if she wins the Breeders' Cup [Mile] she will stay in training next year,” Head told At The Races.
The Prix de la Foret also drew 2009 group stakes winners Balthazaar’s Gift, Border Patrol, Dunkerque, Opera Comica, Oiseau de Feu, Soneva, Mariol, and Smooth Operator.
Mike Curry is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
