Fabre relishing Romantic Warrior battle with Sosie

Andre Fabre is relishing the challenge of taking on Romantic Warrior with Sosie in the QEII Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Sosie outstayed Giavellotto and Goliath to give Fabre an 80th birthday present when winning the Hong Kong Vase in December to complete an impressive year with a third Group One success, while he was also third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Fabre said: “Romantic Warrior is a super horse. But Sosie is training well and he should run well. It’s his first run of the year and the race is pretty tough. In terms of ratings, we have the fourth (highest) chance, but Sosie adapted well to the course (in the Hong Kong Vase) last time.

“Maxime Guyon (his jockey) was keen to ride him despite there being a good meeting at Longchamp the same day. We’re happy to compete.”

Fabre believes that Sosie’s optimum trip is a mile and a half, but he displayed his versatility as he won at the top level in the Prix Ganay and the Prix d’Ispahan last year over shorter trips.

Fabre added: “We ran him in the Eclipse at Sandown in July, but the strategy didn’t work out. He was left in front and he didn’t like it (finishing last of six runners). I’d rather him in behind. He likes a good, strong pace because basically he’s a mile and a half horse.

“We’re starting him in the QEII because we’re sure to get a good pace. After this, we’ll give him a break and probably go for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.”

Fabre has not ruled out tackling the Arc for a third time and said: “It’s a possibility. These horses don’t have that many possible races. They have to go for Group Ones. The owners like to run, to expose their horses. They like the competition.

“He could have been (retired as) a stallion. But it’s more fun to run than going to the farm for breeding.”