Wonderful Tonight Arc Mission Still in Play

Despite an, at face value, disappointing fourth-placed effort in the Yorkshire Oaks (12 furlongs), the desire of connections to run Wonderful Tonight (Le Havre-Salvation, by Montjeu) in October’s Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) at Longchamp remains undiminished. Following victories in Ascot’s Gr2 Hardwicke Stakes (12 furlongs) and Goodwood’s Gr2 Lillie Langtry Stakes (14 furlongs), the French-bred mare faced up for a third time as a 4YO – but like all the other entrants – found the task too daunting at York against Snowfall (Deep Impact) who could be a once in-a-decade filly. Wonderful Tonight’s trainer, David Menuisier, said that she is in good shape after the run and that she is on track for her principal target in Paris. “She’s absolutely fine,” he told racingtv.com. “I am glad we went there [York], and I thought she had a good run…” Before the Arc, Wonderful Tonight will tackle the Gr1 Irish Champion Stakes on 11 September at Leopardstown.