CAPRI is on course to return to action at ParisLongchamp on Sunday week as Aidan O’Brien seeks to ascertain whether he is a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe contender.

Last year’s St Leger hero subsequently finished down the field in the Arc and has only run once so far this term, winning the Alleged Stakes in April before suffering a shoulder injury.

O’Brien has adopted a patient approach with the Galileo colt, but plans to unleash him in the Group 2 Prix Foy with a view to tackling the main event back at the Paris track on October 7th.

He said: “The plan with him is to go to France for the Prix Foy and then if that goes well, we might go back to the Arc.

“He had a racecourse gallop last week and he’s been back in full work for about eight weeks.”

KEW GARDENS

Aidan O’Brien expects Kew Gardens to thrive at Doncaster as he bids for William Hill St Leger glory on Saturday week.

The Galileo colt is a short-priced favourite for the final Classic of the season after winning the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot and the Group One Grand Prix de Paris earlier this term.

While he was beaten just under two lengths when third in the Great Voltigeur at York last time, O’Brien felt Kew Gardens’ 5lbs penalty for his ParisLongchamp win proved crucial and anticipates renewed form when switching back up to 14 furlongs on Town Moor.

He said: “I was delighted with Kew Gardens’ run at York.

“It was not ideal having a penalty, but we felt we had to have a run and we thought that was the perfect place to give him a prep.

“Ryan Moore was delighted with him and obviously he stays further. We always thought Doncaster would suit and hopefully the ground will be nice there.”