Lanigan hopes Worth Waiting can step up for Prix Minerve challenge

Prix Minerve (Group 3) | 3yo fillies | 1m4½f | ATR/RUK

All eyes will be on Zarkamiya as they have been since the impeccably-bred daughter of Frankel and Zarkava made a winning debut at Longchamp in the spring.

But Worth Waiting comes here on a steep upward curve and matched her illustrious rival in winning a Listed race last time.

"We always thought she was a black type filly and after she won her maiden we put her in a handicap because there was six weeks until the Aphrodite Stakes," said trainer David Lanigan.

"She's done everything as expected and is improving both mentally and physically as the summer goes on.

"It's always a big jump between Listed and Group 3 but she's in good form and I think if Alpha Centauri is running [in the Prix Jacques le Marois] and they want nice ground, it should be perfect for us."

Zarkamiya can be marked up for her effort in winning the Prix de Thiberville as she received a significant check up the straight.

Zarkamiya and Christophe Soumillon overcame trouble in running to score Listed success at LongchampCredit: racing.com Staff

Trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre warned after that effort that he would gradually make stiffer demands of her.

"For now she seems well and I hope it doesn’t rain too much between now and the race," said Royer-Dupre. "She hasn’t really been tested on softer going so you never know, but she seems to prefer proper ground."

Amazing Lips proved progressive when trained by Nicolas Clement and, having moved to the Lamorlaye yard of Satoshi Kobayashi, now receives the assistance of Yutaka Take in the saddle.

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