'Nothing ruled in or out' for Vadeni - but stamina worry places Arc bid in doubt

The Aga Khan's team and trainer Jean-Claude Rouget will take time to digest Vadeni's third behind Luxembourg and Onesto at Leopardstown, but persistent doubts surrounding his stamina mean that the chances of a crack at the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe have receded.

Racing manager Georges Rimaud said he was extremely satisfied with the dual Group 1 winner's effort a Leopardstown on Saturday, especially as Christophe Soumillon was forced to switch Vadeni to the inner as options in front of him disappeared at the two-furlong pole.

"We were pleased with the way he ran," said Rimaud. "He didn't appear to be in love with the ground. The way the race panned out meant he had to launch his challenge up the inside where the ground was undoubtedly slower, having had to cross in behind the other runners.

"None of that helped but he ran well after quite a break between the Eclipse and the Irish Champion. As a team we will sit down and dissect the race but I think he ran very well."

Vadeni gets the better of Native Trail in the Coral-EclipseCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Vadeni was sent off the 7-4 favourite to add the Irish Champion to his victories in the Prix du Jockey Club and the Coral-Eclipse.

While the Arc has not been totally discounted, Rimaud made it clear that other options including the Qipco Champion Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Turf might be higher in the pecking order of priorities for the son of Churchill, should he be turned out again this year.

"Nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out," said Rimaud. "We'll see how the horse comes out of the race and Jean-Claude never makes a quick assessment.

"There is the Champion Stakes and the Arc is not really under consideration now, given there has to be a doubt about his stamina. We’ll throw all of that into the mix when making a decision.

"Everything is still possible but there is no set plan at the moment. There is Keeneland although there is the question of a mile and a half there as well."

Vadeni (green silks) tries to make up ground on Luxembourg and Onesto having been forced to switch insideCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Rimaud conceded that the tacky ground at Leopardstown might have played a factor on whether Vadeni truly saw out the ten furlongs and felt it played a big factor in blunting his finishing speed.

He said: "You have to ask about his stamina given how fast he picked up when crossing in behind the others on Saturday and there was a moment when he was really travelling.

"But then he found himself up against the rail on the worst of the ground and he couldn't really pick up a second time."

Rimaud added: "You always prefer to win but we were very satisfied with his performance and he was beaten by two very good horses and will have run to a high rating.

"Perhaps on faster ground he could stay a little further, perhaps not."

Vadeni is a best-priced 6-1 for the Champion Stakes while quotes for the Arc range between 9-1 and 18-1.

William Hill: 3 Baaeed, 6 Luxembourg, 15-2 Alpinista, 10 Torquator Tasso, Titleholder, 14 Onesto, Vadeni, 20 Adayar, Westover, 25 bar

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