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racing news /
By Dylan Jenear
Top Sprinter Fleeting Spirit Retired - Swiss Diva Clear Favourite for Prix de L’Abbaye 22/09/10
Jeremy Noseda has confirmed that Fleeting Spirit, who enjoyed her finest hour when landing the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket in 2009, has been retired. The five-year-old was beaten just over two lengths when bidding for back-to-back wins in that 6f contest when last seen out on July 9. She was being aimed at the Prix de L’Abbaye at Longchamp during Arc weekend early next month, a race in which she was runner-up to Total Gallery last season, before the announcement of her retirement.
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Clear market leader for the 5f sprint in Paris on October 3 is the David Elsworth-trained Swiss Diva, who has confirmed herself a progressive sprinter this season, winning her last three starts, all of which have been in France, including over the Abbaye C&D in a Group 3 on September 12, coming from off the pace to beat Bluster by two lengths, but looking value for more than that margin of victory.
The pivotal filly clearly relishes cut in the ground, which she’s likely to get on Arc day, and rates a worthy favourite, despite the fact that she’s unproven at the highest level. Indeed, with the likes of Equiano and Starspangledbanner unlikely to take part, this race lacks a standout performer, so this year’s Abbaye looks there for the taking.
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Another UK raider prominent in the betting is Henry Candy’s Markab. A gallant second in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot in June, the Green Desert gelding ran out a decisive winner of the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock at the beginning of the month. Although arguably better over 6f, he’s clearly effective at this trip, too, so has to be considered a leading contender.
Richard Hannon is considering pitching smart juvenile Zebedee, who has won six of his seven starts, against his elders in this contest. Winner of the Group 2 Flying Childers at Doncaster last time, the grey colt will be a danger to all if taking part, particularly given that he will be receiving weight from all his rivals.
Last year’s winner Total Gallery is being aimed at a repeat bid, while Kingsgate Native and Borderlescott are also possible, along with Ireland’s Sole Power and Hungarian sprinter Overdose.
