'It's the ideal race' - Christopher Head aims to extend red-hot form with intriguing Newmarket challenger

Christopher Head enjoyed an Arc weekend to remember and the Chantilly-based trainer will bid to extend his recent good run when sending Topgear to Newmarket on Friday for the Group 2 Thoroughbred Employee Awards Challenge Stakes (3.00). 

The son of Wootton Bassett was last seen holding off the challenge of Ten Bob Tony in the Prix du Pin at Longchamp on Arc Trials day and the pair could reoppose on the Rowley Mile, while Quinault, who is on a four-timer for Stuart Williams, and Godolphin's Noble Dynasty also features among the entries.

Topgear represents Japanese owner Hisaaki Saito and joined Head at the start of the 2024 campaign, since when he has posted placed efforts in a pair of Group 3s and a Listed race in addition to his win last time.

Topgear: won at Longchamp on Arc Trials day when last seenCredit: Racing Post/Burton

Head said: "Topgear is a horse I really love at this 1,400-metre [seven-furlong] trip, and he's really improving. He has just won his Group 3 and is ready to step up to Group 2 level, while the timing of this race is perfect. It's the ideal race to finish his season off with before we look at starting 2025 off in Qatar with him."

Head sent out the Maranoa Charlie to land the Prix Thomas Bryon at Saint-Cloud on Friday before Ramadan won the Group 2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein on the opening day of the Arc meeting at Longchamp.

However, the highlight of the weekend for the yard came on Sunday when Ramatuelle streaked clear of Kinross to land her first Group 1 in the Prix de la Foret.

Stephane Pasquier has been on board for all 13 of Topgear's starts and will maintain the partnership at Newmarket.

Head added: "On paper it's clear he should be competitive, while I love to take the opportunity to run in Britain when I have a good winning chance."

Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Challenge Stakes (3.00 Newmarket, Friday)
bet365: 5-2 Noble Dynasty, 4 Grey's Monument, Royal Scotsman, 6 Great Generation, 7 Witness Stand, 8 Topgear, 10 Quinault, 14 bar

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