Ground conditions are probably the single most important factor in determining whether a horse will run up to form, and Ed, who would like to run both our dual Oaks winner SNOW FAIRY and our star two-year-old NATIVE KHAN in Paris this weekend, wants to see how much more rain falls at Longchamp this week before making a decision on his plans for next Sunday.
Ed, who is adamant that the change to soft ground was responsible for Kanaf running so disappointingly at Ascot on Friday, said "I am pleased with Snow Fairy's condition and the intention is to take our chance in the Prix de l'Opera, but as with Native Khan, we are very much ground dependant."
"The going at Longchamp was good to soft on Saturday and they are talking of predominately dry weather through until Thursday, but there is then the prospect of rain and it could be a significant amount next Saturday, anything up to 16mm, which would obviously be a big concern. We will need to reassess the weather situation on Thursday and make a decision on whether to travel but if we decide that the omens are not favourable we will keep the filly back for the Emirates Airlines Champion Stakes back here at Newmarket on October 16."
"Similarly, Native Khan, who has done well since winning the Solario Stakes at Sandown, is one we want to run in the Prix Jean Luc Lagadere but again we are being governed by the ground and if we have to keep him at home too, he will be re-routed to the Dewhurst Stakes here on Champions Day."
Finally, HABAAYIB, who did us proud last season, winning the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and finishing second in the Cherry Hinton at Newmarket's July meeting, has been retired to the paddocks. Ed said "Habaayib did not fire on the soft ground in the October Stakes at Ascot on Saturday and we have decided to draw stumps. She did her job last year and will make a lovely broodmare."