Michael Bell on weather watch for Big Orange ahead of the Prix du Cadran at Chantilly on Sunday
Bell's popular stayer is set to run in the Prix du Cadran at Chantilly on Saturday but connections are concerned about the ground
MICHAEL BELL is hoping the ground isn't too soft for Big Orange in the Prix du Cadran at Chantilly on Saturday.
Big Orange has nor run since finishing second to Stradivarius in the Goodwood Cup. Bell's stayer had previously won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot
The Newmarket trainer is eager to let Big Orange strut his stuff in France, but will remain on weather watch.
"He's very well in himself. We're just hoping the ground isn't bottomless," said Bell.
"We'll keep an eye on conditions, but we're very much hoping that he'll run a big race."
Big Orange faces just six rivals, headed by Vazirabad, who aims to go one better after finishing second to Quest For More in this extended two-and-a-half-mile stamina test last year.
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Harry Dunlop is looking for another bold show from Robin Of Navan in the Prix Dollar following his fine fourth to Ribchester in the Prix du Moulin.
"I think it's a nice race for us, but we've got on to take on three-year-olds which is quite new to us, and obviously we are giving them some weight" said Dunlop.
"I'd be hopeful of a nice run. He ran a super race behind Ribchester three weeks ago over a shorter trip we wanted to try. Fingers crossed for another nice run."
Templegate's TV tips
- 1.50 Newmarket - Roaring Lion: 'Unbeaten and looks up to this level'
- 2.05 Haydock - King's Pavilion: 'Loves this ground and the yard are in form'
- 2.20 Newmarket - Clemmie: 'Still improving and a classy sort'
- 2.40 Haydock - Mayleaf Shine: 'Finally hit top gear and ready to go'
- 2.55 Newmarket - Beckford: 'Today's trip should be ideal'
- 3.15 Haydock - Shanghai Glory: 'Has stacks going for him'
- 3.35 Newmarket - Big Country: 'Well weighted and the best is still to come'
Chris Wall's First Sitting and Sylvester Kirk's Salouen represent other British interests in the eight-runner Group 2 over a mile and a quarter.
Dunlop also has two runners in the preceding sales race as he saddles Jackfinbar and Mafeking .
Karl Burke's Crown Vallary is another British challenger in the 18-runner field.
William Haggas sends the Queen's Goodwood Listed winner Call To Mind for the Group 2 Qatar Prix Chaudenay and runs Celebration Mile third in the Group 2 Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein.