Midak on a short break following Derby exertions

South Wales Argus

5 hours ago

Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, the Aga Khan Studs-owned three-year-old created a taking impression when going unbeaten in his first three starts, earning an ambitious shot at the Derby at Epsom last month.
A poignant runner on the Downs in a race named in honour of the late Aga Khan IV, he was sent off at 9-1 before weakening in the closing stages and connections are now minded to miss next weekend's Grand Prix de Paris to provide more time to recover from his Classic exertions.
'Physically he took his race fine at Epsom, but mentally he was quite fragile afterwards and it went to his head slightly,' explained Nemone Routh, racing manager for the Aga Khan Studs in France.
'There was thought in Francis' head that he could run in the Grand Prix de Paris after Epsom but we just felt mentally he wasn't going to be up to doing that on the back of the Derby. We've just had to back off him a bit as he's a very big horse.
'It was quite a big ask of him to go to the Derby after only three starts and he took it quite well on the day but afterwards it has taken its toll on him a little bit.'
Both George Scott and Charlie Appleby have mooted the Group Two Prix Guillaume d'Ornano on August 16 for Bay City Roller and 2000 Guineas hero Ruling Court respectively and Midak could form a strong home defence in a race won last year by William Haggas' Economics.
ParisLongchamp's Prix du Prince d'Orange on September 14 – won last year by John and Thady Gosden's Ombudsman – is another possibility, as the Aga Khan team look to a drop to 10 furlongs after trying a mile and a half at Epsom.
'There's the Prix Guillaume d'Ornano for him at Deauville or if he needs a little bit more time there's a couple of options in September like the Prix du Prince d'Orange, but the horse will guide us,' continued Routh.
'I don't think we would go straight back to a mile and a half with him. In the Derby he travelled very well and was in the right position looking like he was going to run a huge race and then didn't really quicken and the ground was probably a bit slow for him that day.
'Did he really get home, we're not quite sure, so I think we'll stick to a mile and a quarter race in France when the horse is ready.'