Bryan Smart hoping York hero Alpha Delphini can land more Group 1 success in Prix de l’Abbaye
The seven-year-old was a revelation last time out, narrowly fending off Mabs Cross to land the Nunthorpe in gritty fashion
SPRINT KING Bryan Smart is out for more Group 1 plunder next weekend with star speedster Alpha Delphini.
The veteran gelding produced a 40-1 shock in the Nunthorpe last month and will line up at Longchamp for the flying five furlongs of the Qatar Prix De l'Abbaye.
There's little doubt the son of Captain Gerrard will be much shorter in the betting this time around.
Now proven at Group 1 level, the pocket rocket will bid to emulate his half-brother Tangerine Trees, who won the French contest seven years ago.
It won't be an easy task, though, with last year's winner Battaash and unexposed two-year-old Soldiers Call among those likely to take him on.
"Graham Lee rode him a piece of work on Friday and we're all happy with him. He's in good order," Smart said.
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"He'll travel out there next week and hopefully he'll run really well.
"It would be special if he could match his brother, but at least he's going with a Group One under his belt. That's the good thing, he's already done it.
"If he could go and win the Abbaye like his brother did, it would be a fantastic feat."