TRAINER Freddie Head looks like providing the main stumbling block to Henrythenavigator winning a fifth Group 1 race on the bounce this season.
Aidan O'Brien's superstar is setto head for either Prix du Moulin or Queen Elizabeth II Stakes for his next run, and Head intends to have a runner in both.
His Tamayuz shot to prominence when landing the Prix Jean Prat and showed that was no fluke when powering away with Prix Jacques le Marois, while Goldikova looked a class act in winning the Prix Rothschild.
"Tamayuz is going for the Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot. He seems to be getting better and better with every race, he's a real star, he's got the speed and he can stay - he'sa champion," Head said.
"I think Goldikova will go for the Moulin at Longchamp, maybe then she will go for the Breeders' Cup Mile.
"Tamayuz could also go for the Mile but we'll discuss that with Sheikh Hamdan (owner)."
Meanwhile, Marchand D'Or could be given the chance to prove himself the undisputed champion sprinter by running in the Prix de l'Abbaye.
Head is giving the five-furlong showpiece at Longchamp on October 5 serious consideration for the five-year-old, who made French racing history when being the first horse to win the Prix Maurice de Gheest three times at Deauville two weeks ago.
Last month's Darley July Cup hero landed the Prix du Gros-Chene at Chantilly in June at the main expense of subsequent King's Stand Stakes victor Equiano on his only attempt at the minimum trip.
His target at the last two Arc weekends has been the Prix de la Foret over 7f and Head explained the reason behind the new plan.
"He's run in the Foret twice, he was very unlucky both times so this year I think we are going to try the Abbaye," said Head.
"The horse is well now, we had a setback with him which is why he couldn't go to Haydock (for the Betfred Sprint Cup) but he'll be OK.
"I don't think he'll go for the Breeders' Cup Sprint, there is a new race on turf now but he is not in the race so we'd have to pay the big fee to get him in.
"Maybe we will take him to Dubai early next year.":fff:
