'He's very smart' - Stan Moore chasing more Longchamp Group 1 glory on Sunday

Sunday's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is one of the world's greatest races, but the celebrations in that are unlikely to match the cheers from connections of The Wizard Of Eye should he pull off a shock triumph in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

Lambourn trainer Stan Moore, who has had a licence for more than 30 years, has fond memories of Arc weekend having won the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye with Total Gallery in 2009, but a surprise strike for The Wizard Of Eye would be even sweeter.

Owned by the larger-than-life trainer, Oliver and Roy Humphrey and Alison Flavell, the son of Galileo Gold was third at Salisbury on his debut in June before winning at Newbury a month later.

Watch The Wizard Of Eye win at Newbury

He has since finished third in a Deauville Group 3 and was not beaten far when fifth in the same grade at Longchamp this month.

"He's really nice," said Moore. "He was third at Deauville and was only beaten two and a half lengths in the Prix la Rochette last time – how often do you get a chance to run in a Group 1?

"It's the owners' first ever horse, so we'll have a go. He'd probably prefer nicer ground, even though I think it may go a bit soft, but they all have to go on it. Either way, he's very smart and will be a lot better three-year-old."

'It's tough for everyone'

Moore's most prolific season came in 2010 when he saddled 50 winners, but the victory of Wholelotafun at Bath on Monday was the yard's fourth this term.

"We've had plenty of seconds [16] and we had some really nice two-year-olds, but have had to sell them," he added.

"I think it's tough for everyone and I might only have around 28-30 horses now from around 50, but you keep going and any winner is sweet, but one on Sunday would be something else."

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