Goldikova will bid a fond farewell to the French racing public at Longchamp on Sunday as she bids for a remarkable 15th Group One victory in the Prix de la Foret.
Freddie Head’s wonder-mare will be retired to the paddocks at the end of this year and victory at her final start in her homeland would surely bring the house down in Paris.
Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for the owners the Wertheimer brothers, said: “We are very happy with the ground conditions and she has a pacemaker (Flash Dance), which should help her to relax.
“This is going to be her final race in France and of course, we are very excited.
“We hope she can finish her racing in France on a high, especially as it is Arc day and there will be so many people there.”
Although ground conditions are set to be in Goldikova’s favour, Bureau acknowledges the six-year-old will face a tough test against the likes of David Simcock’s star sprinter Dream Ahead.
“The mare is doing very well but it’s a strong field. If Dream Ahead is at his best I think he will be the main opposition, but we respect the Italian horse (Worthadd) as well,” Bureau said.
“But all the lights are green for Goldikova for the moment.”
Simcock is equally respectful of Goldikova, but could not be happier with Dream Ahead following his victory in Haydock’s Sprint Cup.
“As long as it’s safe ground I have no issues and I can’t believe it won’t be safe,” the trainer told his website.
“Dream Ahead’s preparations have been very straightforward – he has been good since his last run. It’s been very routine exercise for him and what work he has done, he has done very well.
“So he goes to France in good order. We wanted to keep him in Group One company, that’s why he doesn’t go to Ascot (British Champions Sprint, October 15).
“I hope he will run a very nice race on Sunday, although we know that Goldikova will be very difficult to beat.”
PA AAP TURF