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Maltese Cross: "the timing of the Arc might be a little better"
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 23 Aug 2026
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Both the Betfred St Leger at Doncaster and Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp remain on the table for the impressive Great Voltigeur winner Maltese Cross.
Connections are conscious of both ground conditions and the timing of both races as they assess their options.
Speaking on Luck On Sunday, bloodstock agent Sam Haggas, who bought Maltese Cross, told host Nick Luck: "Nothing is confirmed, we need to see the horse and regroup, and then make a plan - we have the greatest respect for both races.
"Perhaps the timing of the Arc might be a little better for him – he puts a lot into every race and sometimes running them back too quickly isn't ideal.
"Both options are on the table.
"Looking at the sectionals, they went very hard and were walking home late. He was doing it quicker than the rest!
"The race was run to suit, as was the one in Paris, a real Group One clip. I'm not sure if he's getting quicker, I think he's just a real mile and a half horse. The way the race is set up is important.
"The other thing is the ground. We still think quick ground will bring out the best of him. It's been a dry summer in Paris, but the weather can turn."
Watch: Maltese Cross impressed on the Knavesmire!
Sam, son of the horse's trainer William, bought the Sea The Stars colt for 350,000 guineas at the Tatts October Sales in 2024 for owner George Waud, and that looks a very shrewd purchase with the Derby runner-up's earnings now approaching the £1m mark.
And he was able to enjoy Wednesday's Group Two victory over Pierre Bonnard more than some of his other victories.
"He's never been the most comfortable watch - he's always won by a narrow margin - and this was the first time we'd seen him swinging away," Sam explained.
"He's thriving and improving - we always said we thought he'd be a better four and even five-year-old – and he's getting stronger better, more complete."
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