Ghaiyyath surely Arc bound after German rout

Ghaiyyath destroyed the field in the 1m4f Group One 147th Longines Grosser Preis von Baden at Baden-Baden on Sunday tipped on here at 9-4 and is now back into 12’s best for the Arc. 

The colt raced in a close fourth of the nine-strong field initially before striding on into a clear lead after the first three furlongs. I, of course, am on at 16-1 each-way from back in April following his win in the 1m2f G2 Prix d’Harcourt. Fingers crossed he goes as I think he might give Enable something to think about – I am also of course on the Mare – and I might have to have a forecast!

Charlie Appleby said: “I am very lucky to be in this position with Ghaiyyath and we have always felt that a mile and a half was going to be his trip. It was a very impressive performance and I am delighted that the horse has shown us today what we have always felt he could potentially do. This race is a very good preparation for the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (12f, Longchamp, France, Sunday, 6 October) and it is a nice discussion that we can have over the next 10 days or two weeks. All of my decisions are made with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed and we look forward to talking about Ghaiyyath and deciding whether we head towards Longchamp or look elsewhere.”

William Buick said: “Ghaiyyath is an amazing horse. He was very impressive in the G2 Prix d'Harcourt at Longchamp in the spring – you very rarely see a horse do what he did that day. For one reason or another, he disappointed in the Prix Ganay but Charlie has always been adamant that Ghaiyyath will stay a mile and a half and he showed that today. He is a monster, an absolute monster. Let’s hope that he will be around for a while.”