'It's the dream more than ever now' - Menuisier eyes Arc with royal winner

David Menuisier will be working back from Wonderful Tonight's date with destiny in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on October 3 for her next targets following her brilliant return to action at Royal Ascot last week.

The daughter of Le Havre was one of the improvers of the season last year and ended her campaign with two top-level triumphs in the Prix de Royallieu and the British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes on Champions Day.

She returned with an impressive one-and-a-half length success in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes over 1m4f to boost her Arc credentials and her next target will be dependent on ground conditions, with the going described as soft for her Ascot win.

Members can watch Wonderful Tonight's Hardwicke victory

The Christopher Wright-owned four-year-old is entered in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes as well as at Glorious Goodwood and York's Ebor meeting, but the Arc remains the big target and would be a first runner in the race for the French-born trainer.

"The Arc has been the plan since her victory at Longchamp last October, it's the dream more than ever now," said Menuisier, who spent two and a half years as assistant to three-time Arc-winning trainer Criquette Head.

"I still have around three to four months to practice my French again, I have a bit of time in hand for that and usually watching cartoons is the best way! It will be marvellous.

"We are likely to forget about those races in early July – the Eclipse and Grand Prix de Saint Cloud will come too soon – but she's in the King George and if the ground is on the slow side, we'd strongly consider running her.

"I've entered her at the Glorious Goodwood in the Nassau Stakes and Lillie Langtry and at York in the International Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks, but we'll take our time to decide."

Wonderful Tonight (William Buick) beats Broome (Ryan Moore) in the Hardwicke StakesAscot 19.6..21 Pic: Edward Whitaker/Racing PostCredit: Edward Whitaker

Wonderful Tonight is a best price 10-1 shot with Sky Bet, William Hill and BoyleSports for the Arc, with the market headed by the Aidan O'Brien-trained duo of Love and Snowfall at 5-1.

Menuisier said: "She's come out of the race as if nothing happened, she was fresh as a button the next day. Hopefully she will improve for it too and reach new heights. It was unbelievable, she's a true champion.

"Everybody in the yard is delighted, it's why you get up early day in, day out. We're on cloud nine and it's good to have your head in the stars, but your feet still need to be firmly on the ground."

The Sussex-based trainer is no stranger to international glory with the likes of Danceteria and the popular Thundering Blue, and Wolferton Stakes fourth Blue Cup could be on his travels following his gallant effort last week.

Menuisier said: "I was really delighted with the run. Slower ground would've been in his favour, but he wasn't beaten far by some very good horses.

"He might go to Sandown for the Gala Stakes first, but we might venture abroad with him. I think he's got the travelling target on him for later in the year."

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