3 minute read
Ascot Gold Cup winner Courage Mon Ami will test his stamina in the Prix du Cadran at Longchamp.
The marathon event, run over two-and-a-half miles, forms part of the 'Arc' weekend at Longchamp and is one of two Group 1 contests on Saturday 30 September.
Courage Mon Ami lost his unbeaten record when sixth in the Group 1 Goodwood Cup, unable to make up ground in the closing stages behind a dominant Quickthorn. The four-year-old bounced back to better form when second behind Coltrane in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup at York under a penalty.
"I thought he probably ran right up to form, as John said afterwards carrying the 3lb penalty is tough over that trip," said Richard Brown, Wathnan Racing's advisor.
"We were delighted with the run because it sort of showed that Ascot wasn't a fluke. We hoped it wasn't and Coltrane is a very good horse on his day – they're the best stayers around really.
"Our horse was strong at the line, we know he gets two and a half miles obviously and I'd say that the Cadran will be his next target.
"Qatar sponsors the Arc meeting, so it's important for those reasons as well, but that aside, the Cadran looks the obvious race for him and that's exactly what Frankie said afterwards.
"I would be a bit worried about a bit of soft ground. You never know really until you try it, I think he'll be OK but you never know.
"After the Cadran that will be it for him this year as everything is geared around trying to win a second Gold Cup."
Courage Mon Ami's recent defeats have resulted in his price lengthening for the 2024 Ascot Gold Cup. SkyBet have the defending champion as a 9/1 shot, third favourite behind Kyprios and Vauban.