'The best we've had since Harbinger' - Merchant enters Arc picture as Highclere owners dream of the big time

As far as accolades go, the mention of Harbinger is about as big as they could have come for Gordon Stakes winner Merchant.

Harbinger's victory in the 2010 King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes will forever be the benchmark for owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, but in Merchant they appear to have discovered another gem.

Trained by William Haggas, Merchant had to show plenty of heart to chase down Wimbledon Hawkeye in monsoon conditions at Goodwood but he came home strong to keep his owners dreaming of the big time.

"That was a very, very skilful ride," said Highclere supremo Harry Herbert, praising the way Tom Marquand nursed the winner to the front. "This horse has the most fantastic action and it can't have been easy for him. It's a great thrill to win a Gordon."

Winning syndicate members huddled under cover to watch the race on a television screen outside the weighing room and roared with pride when Merchant was given victory in a photo-finish.

"He's very special and certainly the best we've had since Harbinger," said Herbert. "I'm not comparing him to Harbinger but he's a very good colt. That was a hard race, so we'll have to see whether York goes ahead. The Voltigeur would be the preferred plan."

The winner was cut to 10-1 (from 12) with Paddy Power for the Betfred St Leger after his win but Herbert revealed a more audacious plan was being hatched.

"The trainer isn't that keen on sending him over 1m6f in the St Leger and I think if we manage to win a Voltigeur, we might be dreaming of an Arc," said Herbert. "That would mean a supplementary entry but his trainer has talked more about the Arc [than the Leger]."

The Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe market on October 5 is headed by Kalapana at 13-2, with Paddy Power introducing Merchant at 40-1 to triumph in Paris.

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Longchamp, October 5)

Paddy Power: 13-2 Kalpana, 8-1 Whirl, 10-1 Minnie Hauk, 12-1 Daryz, Ombudsman, 14-1 Delacroix, 16-1 Lambourn, Los Angeles, Sosie, Croix Du Nord, 20-1 bar

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