David Menuisier is eyeing a trip to Saint-Cloud with Champagne Stakes runner-up Sunway later this month, buoyed by Rosallion giving the Doncaster form a timely boost at ParisLongchamp.
Held in the highest regard by Menuisier and his team, the two-year-old made an impressive debut at Sandown in June.
The son of Galiway then left a disappointing second outing at Ascot behind him when finding just the Dewhurst-bound Iberian too good on Town Moor.
With that appearance now looking strong form following Rosallion’s Group One triumph in the Jean-Luc Lagardere, Sunway will now get his own chance to compete at the highest level when crossing the Channel for his next assignment.
“The form is very good,” said Menuisier. “We have always thought he was a cracking horse. He showed it the other day at Doncaster and then the form at Longchamp backed it up.
“The other day he ran really well, seven furlongs was a bit sharp for him and I was delighted.
“Fingers crossed, all things being equal, he will go to Saint-Cloud for the Criterium International on October 22. He is entered in both races and at the moment I am favouring the mile race.
“It would depend on the ground, though. If it is really soft I would favour the mile, but if it is a bit quicker than that, then maybe the one-mile-two race (Criterium de Saint-Cloud).”
Sunway heading to Saint-Cloud opens the door for stablemate Devil’s Point to head to Doncaster for the Futurity Trophy Stakes before the season draws to a close.
The colt has caught the eye when competing in Group Three company both home and abroad since opening his account at Ffos Las and his handler believes there is plenty more to come from the improving son of New Bay.
Menuisier added: “That is the plan (Doncaster) and he ran really well last time, beaten by some good French horses.
“With the benefit of hindsight, which is a beautiful thing, we kind of went too soon.
“But we had to as we were a bit too far back and they started racing turning in. We tried to win the race, we didn’t go there for a place. The ground was a little bit quick and he didn’t quite see it out and got tired.
“I think on soft ground in a month’s time we could improve by a good deal.
“I think they will both train on and I’m absolutely chuffed to have the two of them.”
