Moonlight Cloud will bid for back-to-back wins in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville on Sunday.
Freddie Head’s talented filly beat Society Rock in tremendous style 12 months ago, but the Chantilly handler is concerned about soft ground for his stable star.
With Goldikova now retired, Head is looking to another female to take over her mantle and Moonlight Cloud nearly created history in her latest race at Royal Ascot.
Racing against the legendary Black Caviar in the Diamond Jubilee, Moonlight Cloud was closing rapidly on the Australian inside the last 100 yards but the post came too soon.
“She’s been very good since Ascot and I’ve been very happy with her at home,” said Head.
“I think this six-and-a-half furlongs is a very good trip for her. If it had been this trip at Ascot she might have won. She also really likes Deauville, I think it suits her better than Ascot.
“My one worry would be very soft ground, we’ve had some rain and there’s showers forecast.
“It was soft last year though, and it didn’t stop her then.”
Just behind Moonlight Cloud at Ascot was Henri-Alex Pantall’s Restiadargent, a fine effort for a three-year-old, and the pair will clash again.
