1 June 2018
Photo scoopdyga.com
Pascal Bary has won the QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club five times. On Sunday he is represented by two potential trump cards as he bids to emulate Alain de Royer Dupré’s record of six wins in the classic*.
You are doubly represented in the Qipco Prix du Jockey Club but which of your colts is the number one hope?
Study of Man and Naturally High have had a perfect preparation – with each endowed with the quality to shine. They are indifferent to the state of the ground as both have won on a heavy track, although they have a preference for good ground. Although I’m of the opinion, unless things go terribly wrong, that the ground on Sunday will be no worse than soft. On the subject of which one I prefer, I don’t like rating my horses before a race…
What are the strong points of Study of Man?
He’s a super colt and one with a very good turn of foot. Furthermore, he is a very calm sort and easy to ride in a race. His pathway to the Jockey Club has been good. Although he was beaten on his return in the Prix La Force, the colt wasn’t fully wound up, and he has since trotted up in the Prix Greffulhe. He hasn’t had any hard races which is both an advantage and a disadvantage.
Can Naturally High measure up to him?
Naturally High is a very strong colt and has only run one bad race: on his debut. That’s not his fault but mine as his introduction to racing came far too early. He has impressed in both his races this year and, on his last start, he came off the pace. I think he has had a good chance.
Among your five previous Jockey Club winners which one was the best?
In terms of pure class, Sulamani (winner in 2002) was the best. He was beaten in the Arc de Triomphe following a nightmare race.
* The latter has enjoyed six wins in this prestigious race, which puts him in pole position among the ranks of the current licence holders.