Jack Hobbs has enhanced his position as Britain’s leading challenger for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with an effortless success at Kempton .
Having cut an impressive figure in the parade ring, the Irish Derby winner showed no signs of rustiness on his first start since the Classic in June, stamping his class on the Group Three September Stakes (2000m).
Biding his time aboard the 1-5 favourite, William Buick edged him into the lead just inside the 400m mark before pressing the ‘go’ button.
The response was emphatic, with Jack Hobbs quickly motoring through the gears to put the race to bed in a matter of strides.
Needing only to be pushed out with hands and heels, Jack Hobbs cruised to the line 3-1/4 lengths clear of Sweeping Up.
“I hadn’t done a lot of work with him and he was fresh down to the start, but in the race William managed to switch him off and get him relaxed, and that is important,” Gosden said.
“There’s no reason why we won’t go to France.
“We were happy to get a nice prep race at home, rather than travelling over to France (Prix Niel) and then travelling over again.
“He handles soft if it goes that way in France and there is no reason not to look in that direction.
“We’ve always loved the horse. He is a lovely horse and is improving all the time and did all that is required of him with hands and heels.
Dual Arc winner Treve remains the 2-1 favourite with Jack Hobbs now at 6-1.
