Goliath sets sights on Japan Cup after a strong win in the Prix du Conseil de Paris, showcasing form that previously saw him best future Arc winner Bluestocking.
King George hero Goliath prepared himself for a planned challenge at the Japan Cup with a resolute victory in the Prix du Conseil de Paris at ParisLongchamp. Francis-Henri Graffard's trainee had not competed since his remarkable performance at Ascot in late July, where he surpassed 25-1 odds to easily defeat the future Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Bluestocking and last month's Preis von Europa winner Rebel's Romance.
Being a gelding, Goliath was unable to compete in the Arc, and with the decision against returning to Ascot for the Champion Stakes, the Japan Cup was chosen as his major goal for the end of the season. After missing a chance to compete again with Rebel's Romance in Germany due to a minor setback, the four-year-old was redirected to a Group Two race on home turf, becoming a strong favorite under the guidance of Christophe Soumillon.
Wearing the colors of John Stewart for the first time after the American owner acquired a substantial share from Philip Baron von Ullmann following his King George victory, Goliath was positioned in third for most of the one-mile-three-furlong race, with Maniatic and the William Haggas-trained Hamish leading the way ahead of him.
Soumillon sat confidently in the saddle, motionless as they entered the home straight, scanning for potential threats – and although the determined Hamish put up a strong fight and challenged the favorite, Goliath eventually asserted himself and crossed the finish line a comfortable half-length ahead.
