Goldikova lets trainer Freddie Head know who's boss on Tuesday morning
PICTURE: Dan AbrahamHead delighted with Mile prep for star Goldikova
FREDDIE HEAD issued demoralising news for the opponents of Goldikova in the TVG Breeders' Cup Mile next month when he said that his superstar has had the perfect preparation for her bid to win the race for a historic third time.
Owned by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, Goldikova eclipsed Miesque's record of ten Group/Grade 1 wins when landing her 11th in the Prix de la Foret on her last outing and Head is delighted with his runner as she looks to better her predecessor again at Churchill Downs on November 6.
Goldikova is "very forward in her preparation" for the race according to Head, who plans to give the daughter of Anabaa her final gallop under big-race jockey Olivier Peslier on Thursday.
"Goldikova's work has been good and she seems in great form," the trainer said during a media day on Tuesday. "We haven't changed anything this year and had the same prep race. It was even better this year as we won the Foret, so for the moment all is well. I don't think she can do better than she is."
The five-year-old's back-to-back Mile successes both came at Santa Anita but Head has no concerns about the change of venue for this year's race.
Goldikova: historic Mile bid
PICTURE: Dan AbrahamHe said: "Going to Churchill Downs this year does not change much - all the American tracks are about the same.
"The weather may be a little cooler. I don't want too much rain. They have been having a very dry spell there and I hope it lasts. Even if it does rain, the ground is not going to be as soft as it was at Longchamp the other day [for the Prix de la Foret]."
Head highlighted last year's Breeders' Cup Classic runner-up Gio Ponti as the main equine danger to his star, who is as short as 10-11 for the race with Paddy Power, but is more concerned about the draw.
"Gio Ponti, if he runs, will be the one to beat this year I suppose - he is a very good horse - second in the Classic last year," Head stated.
"Paco Boy is a super horse - so tough and genuine - and Proviso is a good mare, although normally we have beaten her but she is at home over there now."
He added: "The draw is going to be important in America. I don't want Goldikova to be drawn on the outside again."
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