French Derby winner Mishriff misses Arc as connections favour Ascot

John Gosden’s French Derby winner Mishriff will not be supplemented for Europe’s biggest race. Connections instead will eye a trip to Ascot and a potential date with Ghaiyyath.

A Champion’s Path

Unbeaten in three starts over the ten-furlong distance, John Gosden and connections of Mishriff will not opt to send their star to France for a third time this season. A general 12/1 shot in the antepost market, he would have needed supplementing to take his place in the field. That will not be the case, with discussions leading to him staying at his preferred distance.

Speaking to Racing Post about the decision, Gosden said: “After discussions with owner Prince Faisal and his team, Mishriff is to have his next outing in the Group 1 Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot in October. We discussed the possibility of running him in the Arc, for which he would have had to be supplemented, but he’s shown this year that he is very much suited to a mile and a quarter.”

Come rain of shine, connections seem in a confident mood. Gosden added: “This looks the best plan going forward and he won’t mind whatever the ground turns out to be come October as he’s shown he’s quite versatile in that regard“.

Home Glory

Mishriff has gained just two of his four victories on this side of the Channel. Taking three starts to break his maiden, he did so in emphatic fashion at Nottingham. Second in the Saudi Derby on his fourth start, he bullied Listed competition at Newmarket on his British return.

He would then be shipped off to France, where he easily landed the Prix du Jockey Club in impressive fashion. Cruising home to win a Group 2 at Deauville when last seen, he’s looked a frightening prospect over ten furlongs.

Gosden’s charge has shot to the top of the betting for the Champion Stakes as a result. He sits a general 5/2 chance alongside Ghaiyyath in a competitive looking market. Ascot’s curtain-closer has the potential to be a cracker, with potential entries also including Magical, Lord North, Kameko and Addeybb.

David Egan’s breakthrough moment?

It could well be the crowning glory for Prince Faisal’s retained rider David Egan. Missing the French Derby due to travel restrictions before a ban quelled his Deauville participation, he should return to the saddle for the Champion Stakes.

His biggest success to date was his first pattern success, where he landed the Group 2 Lillie Langtry aboard Pilaster. It would be a deserved success for a rider who has quickly ascended the ranks in recent years.