Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Andre Fabre has expressed himself happy with Hurricane Run as the Chantilly-based trainer puts the finishing touches to the colt's preparation for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - Lucien Barriere.
The son of Montjeu confirmed his position at the head of the betting for the Longchamp showpiece with a workmanlike rather than impressive victory in the Prix Niel over the Arc's course and distance earlier this month.
Fabre is confident there is better to come from Hurricane Run, who is 5 to 2 favourite with William Hill for Sunday's race.
"He's like a teenager, he's maturing all the time and I couldn't be happier with his condition," Fabre said." I'm happy with all his work.
"He has taken his race in the Niel very well. He needed his prep-race.
"He needs a fast pace and hopefully we'll get that on Sunday and I would prefer a bit of ease in the ground."
Fabre has already won the Arc five times with Trempolino (1987), Subotica (1992), Carnegie (1994), Peintre Celebre (1997) and Sagamix (1998).
He added: "Hurricane Run is a lazy type of horse. He's different to Peintre Celebre in that he doesn't have the same acceleration." And he joked: "If he wins it will be my sixth win in the Arc and it will be time for me to retire!"
Fabre nominated Shawanda as a big danger to Hurricane Run. He said: "I've been impressed with her action and confirmation and what she's done. It has been a long time since a three-year-old filly has won the Arc but she has a good chance."
Officials at the Paris track will decide later this week whether or not to water the course.
A spokesman for Longchamp said: "The ground is good. The forecast is very unsettled and decision about watering will be taken on Wednesday.
"The track is in perfect condition. We had a lot of rain in August and it looks beautiful - like a green carpet."
BETTING: (William Hill's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe): 5-2 Hurricane Run, 3-1 Shawanda, 4-1 Motivator, 6-1 Bago, 10-1 Scorpion, 14-1 Alkaased, 16-1 Pride, 20-1 Westerner, 25-1 Cherry Mix, 33-1 bar.
