French Derby winner runs for the first time for new connections.
This Sunday is one that Al Shaqab Racing will never forget, as Look De Vega first takes to the track wearing their colours in Qatar Prix Niel. The unbeaten son of Lope De Vega has been making waves since the acquisition of a majority interest was made in his favour by the Qatari operation and Ballylinch Stud following his scintillating victory in the Prix du Jockey Club. After a summer of solid training and development, Look De Vega is now a general 3-1 favourite for the illustrious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on 6th October. Everybody eagerly awaits this final preparation for the big race. Rupert Pritchard-Gordon, Al Shaqab's French racing consultant, has followed Look De Vega's development closely. "He has such a cool attitude and has filled out nicely over the summer," Pritchard-Gordon said of the horse. This praise follows a gallop at Maisons-Laffitte that had this team optimistic about his chances for this weekend's challenge.
Unbeaten Look De Vega lands the French Derby in style for @CYLerner and @RonanThomass at @fgchantilly pic.twitter.com/5iHp23TiHH
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 2, 2024
In the Qatar Prix Niel, Look De Vega will face his first mile and a half, an essential step to test his capabilities as a leading middle-distance performer. Pritchard-Gordon stresses this race is a preparatory run. "It's a big learning curve for us," he commented, pointing out that there is much to look forward to with this distance stretch. His easy-going nature and impressive stride give confidence that he will adapt well to the new challenge. Such horses as Andre Fabre's Sosie, who has taken the headlines with works-to-date, and the British raider Ambiente Friendly, representing trainer James Fanshawe, complete this diverse field, which will not only add intrigue to this impending race but also set up Look De Vega as needing the confirmation of his status among Europe's elite.
Such horses as Andre Fabre's Sosie, who has taken the headlines with works-to-date, and the British raider Ambiente Friendly, representing trainer James Fanshawe complete this diverse field, which will not only add intrigue to this impending race but also set up Look De Vega as needing the confirmation of his status among Europe's elite.While Look De Vega assumes that place, Al Shaqab also runs in the Qatar Prix Vermeille on Sparkling Plenty.
Gutsy performance!
Sparkling Plenty shows a decisive turn of foot to get up down the outside and score in the G1 Prix de Diane at @fgchantilly for @piccone_tony! 💪 pic.twitter.com/Mljof2A22U
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 16, 2024
A France-bound Empire Maker daughter, she has shown quite a lot of resilience and form, most recently when third to Aidan O'Brien's Opera Singer in the Nassau Stakes. This is as much a chance to try out a mile and a half as it is to get a preliminary prize for the Nassaby-memorial Prix de l'Opera and possibly even the Arc itself. Pritchard-Gordon, though, appears optimistic about Sparkling Plenty's future. "I want to see how she tackles the extra furlong, and the Vermeille in itself was a Group One," he said.
With Tony Piccone riding again, there is a lot of continuity and trust, especially following previous successes in partnership. This is an important milestone race for both Sparkling Plenty and Look De Vega, one that perfectly fits Al Shaqab's ambitions for Arc weekend. Going into the Vermeille, a strong field is expected. Bluestocking and Emily Upjohn are two of the fancies in the Qatar Prix Vermeille field. The pair made winning starts for this season already, and this renewal will be no less trenchant. Bluestocking made its way into Juddmonte's European racing manager Barry Mahon's views on her good performances so far this season. Mahons said the stakes were very high for all runners, with this weekend likely to be heavy with significant accolades ahead of their respective futures. "This looks like a good renewal of the Vermeille, and it's an exciting time for both horses," he said, exuding competitive spirit for the event.
As the prospects of Look De Vega and Sparkling Plenty to Shine at Arc weekend grow bigger, excitement starts building ahead of their respective engagements. For those lucky enough to compete in such races, success is not just a personal achievement but also the fulfilment of those hard efforts, dedication, and ambition from individuals. Pritchard-Gordon remains optimistic: "Hopefully, both Look De Vega and Sparkling Plenty run well. These races are important for their own sake, but they also set the stage for what's to come." This can be a historic weekend for Al Shaqab Racing. They will look to make their mark in the annals of racing history with the outstanding performances at the Paris Longchamp. The levels of anticipation are high, with everyone waiting to be told the outcome.
