Bay City Roller remains on course for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but trainer George Scott is prepared to switch to the Champion Stakes at Ascot if conditions at ParisLongchamp do not suit.
The four-year-old has established himself among Europe’s leading middle-distance horses. A Group 1 winner in Germany last year, he added the Coronation Cup at Epsom in June with a decisive performance on soft ground. He was last seen finishing second to defending Arc champion Daryz in the Prix Foy.
Scott’s first choice is a return to Paris for the Arc on October 4, where Bay City Roller could meet Daryz again. The decision will rest on the weather. Scott wants ground softened by rain and is reluctant to run if the course needs watering.
A move to the Champion Stakes on October 17 would give Bay City Roller another major autumn target, with the Breeders’ Cup also under consideration. Scott has left open the possibility of running at both ParisLongchamp and Ascot if conditions allow, pointing to the horse’s ability to handle a busy campaign last season.
Bay City Roller could lead a sizeable Scott team at the Arc meeting. Caballo De Mar is being aimed at the Prix du Cadran, while Wimbledon Hawkeye is set for the Prix Dollar. Ridari has the Prix Daniel Wildenstein and Prix Dollar among his options.
Commander’s Intent and Command The Stars could contest handicaps across the two days. Rain would also bring the Prix de l’Abbaye into play for Poatan and the Prix de la Forêt for Forty Years On, although Ascot may prove the more suitable destination for both.
For Bay City Roller, the priority is clear: Scott is ready for another crack at Daryz, provided Paris delivers the ground his horse needs.
By Scott Bailey
