Criquette Head-Maarek has warned the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on Sunday could well come too soon for Helleborine.
The trainer’s powerful Chantilly stable has been gripped by a virus over recent weeks and Helleborine is one of many to have been confined to the sidelines.
The Observatory filly looked a live Classic candidate on two-year-old form, finishing a length behind Irish 1000 Guineas and Pretty Polly Stakes winner Misty For Me in the Prix Marcel Boussac.
She was beaten on her comeback in the Prix Imprudence and has not been seen since a weak 13th in the French Guineas.
“We will work her on Tuesday and then make a decision, as well as seeing what else will run, but she would be very, very doubtful,” Head-Maarek said.
“She has been unwell and if she doesn’t run on Sunday, she could go for the Prix de Meautry, which is over the shorter distance at Deauville later in the month.”
“It’s difficult to explain, but it’s basically a virus.
“The horses look well but they haven’t been finishing their races. A lot of my three-year-olds haven’t been too good and we’ve been testing them for some time.
“It’s unfortunate, but something you just have to be patient about.”
The Maurice de Gheest, which also carries the name of the brilliant mare Goldikova this year, should have plenty of British interest with July Cup winner Dream Ahead and Golden Jubilee star Society Rock among the possible contenders.
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