Qatar Prix du Cadran: Trueshan team aims for ParisLongchamp repeat after Doncaster Cup win | Racing News

Alan King is looking forward to seeing Trueshan attempt to claim a second victory in the Qatar Prix du Cadran next week after returning to winning ways in the Doncaster Cup.

The seven-year-old was a shadow of his former self after being beaten in his first two starts of the campaign, but a mid-season wind surgery appears to have done the trick, judging by her resurgent performance under Hollie Doyle last Friday.

King said: “He made quite a few mistakes because he was so fresh. Surprised (by the victory), I’m not so sure, but it was definitely a relief more than anything.

“Obviously the wind helped a lot. In his previous two races he hadn’t finished at all, so we were hoping that would make a difference, but you always want to see them go and do it on the track. “

“We were delighted with him, I don’t know how strong his form was, but it was definitely a huge step to get back to his best.”

King has the option to wait until the Qipco British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot on October 21, a race Trueshan has won in each of the last three seasons.

However, the Barbury Castle handler first aims to send his seven-year-old back to Paris for a Group 1 contest in which he memorably beat Stradivarius in 2021.

He adds: “I’m going to try to get him to the Cadran. I’m away this week, but the boys at home seem pretty happy with him. He’s had two or three days on the water treadmill, which he adores.

“He will come back at a gallop at the end of the week, we will work a little at the start of next week and if everyone is happy, he will go back to France.

“We did the Cadran and the Ascot a few years ago when there was only a fortnight between them and three weeks ago this time, which gives me a bit more luck.

“We will move forward step by step, but if I am happy with him, he will go to Longchamp.”

King raised the intriguing possibility of Trueshan pursuing a career over hurdles following his defeats at Nottingham and Ascot in the spring, but those plans have been shelved for the time being.

He said: “I hope if he runs well at Longchamp or Ascot or both he won’t go jumping.”