Jerome Reynier believes the unusual distance of the 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh will please his Royal Ascot winner Lazzat to the core.
Successful in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes in June, he was second in the Prix Maurice de Gheest and when returning to Ascot on British Champions Day.
Facing the task in Saudi Arabia over 1351 metres, around six and three-quarter furlongs, Reynier believes Lazzat will be in his element.
“He is in top form and we think this is a perfect race for him,” said Reynier.
“I think this is a difficult trip for some horses, but not for him. The distance of 1351 meters is quite ideal and I have always had this race in the back of my mind.
“He had a really good gallop on the racecourse to prepare, so all the lights are green and we can’t wait to be there with him. I’m pretty sure he’ll be able to adapt to these conditions. He’s won right-handed, left-handed and straight courses on good, firm and heavy ground. He’s just very versatile. He’s just very versatile.”
“The draw is very important because if you draw wide you get a lot more challenge and I would like to be closer to the rail.
“Our horse breaks well though, so hopefully he can put himself in a good position. James Doyle will ride.”
Reynier will also send Fachter Cheval – now in the veteran phase of his career as a seven-year-old – to Saudi Arabia and he will compete in the Neom Turf Cup over no less than 10 furlongs, the furthest trip of his career.
“On the flat track in Riyadh, on good terrain, I am sure he can last the journey, especially now that he is seven years old and very easy to handle,” Reynier said.
“He looks great and has worked well, so we are confident he will have a good race. Mickael Barzalona has ridden him very well and will ride him again.”
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