Nagano Gold primed for Arc experience

[Wandering Eyes]

Nagano Gold has an opportunity to put racing in the Czech Republic on the world map when he runs in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.

While he will line up alongside Enable and the rest as one of the outsiders on Sunday, Nagano Gold has proved already that he can outrun his odds, having been an unconsidered 25-1 shot at Royal Ascot when he nearly pulled off a shock in the Hardwicke Stakes.

He was marginally unlucky that day having been broadsided by 2018 Derby winner Masar coming out of the stalls, losing far more ground than the eventual half a length he was beaten by Defoe.

On the back of that, he was sent off favourite for the Grand Prix de Deauville but could finish only third.

“Everything has gone fine. His preparation has been perfect. We did what we wanted with no problems and he’s in top form,” Tomas Janda, racing manager to owner-trainer Vaclav Luka Jr, said.

“Of course it’s going to be a hard race. Some of the best horses in the world are running, and we’ll be very happy to finish in the first five. That would be great.

“He’s a star at home, and if he’s in the first five that would be outstanding for our country.

“When he nearly won at Royal Ascot it was a huge story at home, and he was a little unlucky, but even still it was a good result. He’s a good horse, given a perfect race, but to show his top form he needs a fast pace.”

At Tuesday’s confirmation stage, four horses were taken out – Silverwave, Matchwinner, Musis Amica and Mehdaayih leaving 12 – with Soft Light expected to be a late entry.

Enable is the overwhelming favourite to claim an unprecedented third in the Arc for trainer John Gosden and jockey Frankie Dettori.

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