English/Ire
Bullish Barberot believes Beauvatier can take the step up to Group 1 level
Yann Barberot couldn’t hide his confidence when it comes to believing that Beauvatier has what it takes to take the step up to Group 1 level in Sunday’s Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin.
The talented four-year-old may not have yet struck in Group 1 company, but that is by no means putting off his trainer Yann Barberot, who firmly believes that his dominant Challenge Stakes winner has what it takes to make his mark against some of the best milers in the world on Sunday.
"He needs pace in a race, which means we're forced to run him over shorter trips in Europe and especially France," he said.
Not only has Beauvatier failed to strike at the top-level, but he will also be returning to a mile for the first time since finishing down the field in the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains. However, Barberot remains confident that stepping back up to a mile will suit the son of Lope De Vega, who will break from gate six under regular rider Alexis Pouchin.
He said: "The other day at Newmarket over 1400 meters on a stiff track, he showed that he could be an interesting horse at 1600 meters, especially around a quick track like Sha Tin. This was always among my targets for the end of the season.
"His win last time showed that we've got to the end of the year with a horse in mighty form, and we've minded him throughout the year, so he hasn't had a lot of really tough battles, and that's why I'm so excited about running him here.
"He's not a Group 1 winner, but he's shown he's up to that level, and he arrives here in great form. Sunday will be interesting, for all that we're among the outsiders."
The Lope De Vega colt may be winless in Group 1 company, but he's already posted some excellent efforts in defeat, finishing third in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere as a juvenile before filling the same position in the Prix Jean Prat, Prix Maurice de Gheest and Prix de la Foret the following year.
Although evidently confident about his horse's chances, Barberot remains respectful of the opposition they are about to take on, pointing towards the Japanese-trained contenders as main threats.
"For me, the real danger lies with Soul Rush and Embroidery, they're real racehorses," he said.
"The main thing is to come here with a horse in form, that's the priority. He took the journey over very well, and he is in very good physical shape. I was never worried about the travel beforehand because this horse has a great temperament."
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