Connections eyeing trip to ParisLongchamp in early October if weather stays fair.
Gregory Eyes Bold Bid for Prix du Cadran: Connections Gamble on Conditions
With Arc weekend fast approaching, connections of talented stayer Gregory are weighing up a daring bid for glory in the Prix du Cadran at ParisLongchamp. The stakes are high, as the team behind the four-year-old colt, owned by Wathnan Racing, are relying on the weather gods to ensure that ground conditions remain suitable for his strengths.
Gregory, trained by John and Thady Gosden, has already proven his worth on the big stage. His victory in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot 2023 marked the first of many impressive performances under the Wathnan Racing banner. However, the Prix du Cadran—one of the longest and most grueling races in the calendar—will test his endurance and stamina to the limit over two and a half miles.
The key factor? Gregory thrives on quick ground. As Paris’ unpredictable autumn weather looms, the team knows they are taking a gamble, hoping that the ground stays dry enough for Gregory to unleash his full potential.
A Rising Star in Staying Races
Gregory’s campaign in the staying ranks this season has solidified his reputation as a force to be reckoned with. While his run in the Gold Cup at Ascot earlier this year didn’t quite go to plan, the colt quickly rebounded. He put up a strong fight in both the Goodwood Cup and the Lonsdale Cup at York, securing podium finishes in both contests.
Most recently, Gregory finished a valiant second behind Vauban in the Knavesmire at York, leaving his connections confident that a longer distance could truly unlock his staying power. Racing manager Richard Brown is keen to give the colt a chance to shine at the extreme distance of the Prix du Cadran, where his stamina could come into play.
"He ran a great race, and he needs every yard of two miles," Brown explained. "I think we might wait and look at the Cadran with him because he just keeps grinding. He will stay two and a half miles, and I would look forward to seeing him over the extreme distance."
The Gamble on Ground Conditions
Despite the encouraging signs, the team is acutely aware that ground conditions in Paris could make or break Gregory’s chances. He’s a colt that thrives on quick ground, and the autumn rains in France could prove disastrous for their plans.
"It’s a bit of a gamble whether we wait for the Cadran or not," said Brown. "He’s entered at Ascot, but I don’t think the ground will be suitable there. We will just take a breath and decide, but it’s a gamble for sure."
With options dwindling, Gregory’s team is considering skipping other engagements to focus entirely on the Cadran. A run at Doncaster seems less likely, with the timing perhaps coming too soon for the colt to be fully fresh. The team remains hopeful that Paris will provide the right conditions for their bold gamble to pay off.
Courage Mon Ami: Another Contender for the Cadran?
While Gregory is undoubtedly the star of the show, there’s another Wathnan Racing runner who could also be making headlines at ParisLongchamp—Courage Mon Ami. The winner of last year’s Gold Cup, Courage Mon Ami has been sidelined this season due to injury but is now back in training.
Brown revealed that while there’s no rush to get the talented stayer back on the track, the Prix du Cadran is in the back of their minds for Courage Mon Ami as well.
"The Cadran is in the back of our minds, but he will be given all the time he needs," Brown explained. "It’s positive that he’s back in training, but we’ll be cautious. No news is good news with him."
Having two potential runners in the prestigious race gives Wathnan Racing an intriguing double-hand as they eye a major prize on Arc weekend. Both Gregory and Courage Mon Ami are horses with proven staying credentials, and their contrasting preparations only add to the suspense.
A Risk Worth Taking?
For Wathnan Racing, the Prix du Cadran represents not just a race, but an opportunity to showcase their staying power on the international stage. Gregory’s grinding style and ability to thrive over long distances make him an ideal candidate, but the risk of unsuitable ground conditions looms large. As the team plays a waiting game with the weather, they are fully aware that a late decision could be the difference between success and frustration.
In the end, racing is all about taking calculated risks. For Gregory and his connections, this could be a gamble worth taking. If the Parisian skies remain clear and the ground stays quick, he could well cement his place among the elite stayers of the season.
This moment encapsulates the essence of racing—the anticipation, the gamble, and the potential glory. Gregory is a horse with all the credentials to make his mark in the grueling Prix du Cadran, but the question of ground conditions makes this race a nerve-wracking proposition for his connections. As Wathnan Racing’s European racing manager Richard Brown eloquently put it, this decision is one of timing, patience, and calculated risk. Arc weekend is fast approaching, and the gamble is on—will the conditions align for Gregory to deliver a stunning performance?
