Jayarebe Targets Paris Prize on Arc Weekend as Meehan Eyes Big-Race Campaigns for Stable Stars

Brian Meehan has Jayarebe in work in anticipation of a second foray to France, where the up-and-comer is to be saddled with the Prix Dollar during Arc weekend in Paris. After putting in a tremendous effort when he ran a great second to Economics in the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville last month, Jayarebe has continued to develop into a horse of considerable quality. Meehan had already taken a confidence-building victory in the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot earlier in the season and believes the charge is ready for further international success.

Racing fans may have noticed Jayarebe's current run of form. He was only a second to Economics when that horse won at the Irish Champion Stakes last weekend. The form received only serves to boost confidence in Jayarebe's prospects ahead of his next test at Longchamp. "The form looks strong, and he's going for the Prix Dollar on Arc weekend," Meehan confirmed. "That will lead us to the next step, which could be the Breeders' Cup Turf, but we'll see."

For Meehan, crossing the Channel to reprise the ride for Jayarebe is part of a longer-term plan that could come full circle with a run for one of America's biggest races. The Breeders' Cup Turf is an enticing possibility, although Meehan is taking things one step at a time, eager to see how his stable superstar goes in the Group Two Prix Dollar before mapping further. "We'll get France out of the way first and keep our fingers crossed," Meehan added, stressing that nothing was going to sidetrack him and the horses from staying on course.

Besides Jayarebe, the thriving Meehan stable is abuzz with potential, much more so with promising two-year-olds Law of Design and Rashabar. Law Of Design, who caught the eye with third place at Newmarket, has since fulfilled his potential on his second outing with a decisive success at Ascot. The juvenile is now set for either the Royal Lodge Stakes on September 28 or the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October. "Law of Design is in grand order, and we'll look at the Royal Lodge or the Autumn Stakes, depending on how he is," Meehan said. His calm and thoughtful approach reflects the patience required to guide young horses toward future success.

Another exciting prospect from Meehan's yard is Rashabar, winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and runner-up to Whistlejacket in the Prix Morny at Deauville. The talented colt has a range of Group One options ahead of him, but the immediate target will be Jean-Luc Lagardere during Arc weekend. "At the moment, Rashabar heads for the Jean-Luc Lagardere, and we'll see how it goes," Meehan said, remaining flexible on the colt's next steps. "I don't think we have to make definitive plans with him because the owners are patient."

 

There's loads on the table for Rashabar, which includes the prestigious Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket and even the Breeders' Cup later in the year, and Meehan is playing this with a bit of caution to ensure the horse reaches his full potential. "He was working this morning and worked very well, and everybody is very happy. There's always the Breeders' Cup for him, so there's lots of options, and we won't make a decision until we have to," Meehan added.

No doubt at all, the autumn racing season will be no different as Meehan's stable makes a bigger mark on both sides of the Atlantic. Whether Jayarebe races in Paris or Rashabar and Law of Design step up for their group races, Meehan's horses are so well placed to continue on track to many more victories. Together with the right mix of talent, careful planning, and the right opportunities, Meehan is indeed poised for another campaign that was so big for his horses. As the Arc weekend and the Breeders' Cup approach, that passion and patience Meehan invested in his horses finally pays off, with his stable all set to run up or down the finishing order of prestige races. It's going to be a few interesting months in front of racing fans as Meehan's horses move closer to catching their moment in the spotlight.