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Westover ‘well’ in lead-up to Arc

3 minute read

Westover was given a racecourse gallop and a visit to the beach ahead of his return to France for the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday.

WESTOVER. Picture: PA

The son of Frankel recorded his second Group 1 victory in July when winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in comfortable fashion, beating Zagrey by two lengths. The form of the run has since been given a boost, with Zagrey winning the Group 1 Preis von Baden on his only subsequent start. Westover was only beaten a head behind Hukum in the King George at Ascot and arguably boasts some of the best twelve-furlong form in the field.

With question marks about the ground conditions for the 'Arc' at Longchamp on Sunday, Westover boasts a good record on different surfaces. His victory in the Irish Derby in 2022 came on good ground, whilst the success at Saint-Cloud occurred on good-to-soft.

The Ralph Beckett -trained colt was also not disgraced when sixth in last year's 'Arc' behind Alpinista, when the ground was recorded as very soft.

"Westover went to Salisbury last Friday and to Hayling Island beach this Friday and both exercises went well," said Beckett.

"It suited him to just take the edge off him ahead of Longchamp and he's shown he can handle any ground between the extremes."

Westover is widely available at 7/1 for the 'Arc', third favourite behind Prix du Jockey Club winner Ace Impact and King George hero Hukum.