Nagano Gold remains on course for Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe

Nagano Gold remains on course for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe despite a surprise defeat at Deauville on his latest start.

The Czech raider came within half a length of victory in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot back in June, having suffered a troubled passage, and was sent off favourite to gain compensation in the Group Two Grand Prix de Deauville at the seaside track.

While he could finish only third for trainer Vaclav Luka Jr, connections felt there were excuses and are still planning to head to ParisLongchamp on October 6.

Luka’s racing manager Tomas Janda said: “The plan is almost certainly to run in the Arc in France.

“The race did not really suit him at Deauville, they went very slowly for the first 600 to 800 metres (three to four furlongs) and then it was just a very fast mile race from there.

“Christophe (Soumillon) said he pulled very hard, he was very keen and did not settle, then it was just quite fast for him at the end.

“Maybe he did need the race a little bit too, but it just didn’t suit him.

“The Arc should be run at a stronger pace and the track at ParisLongchamp should suit him better than Deauville I think.

“We were a little bit disappointed, but there were reasons and he would go straight for the Arc now.”