Sky Majesty to lead Haggas’ dual Abbaye challenge

William Haggas is poised to be double handed in Sunday’s Prix de l’Abbaye, after confirming both Sky Majesty and recent Newbury winner First Instinct will line-up at ParisLongchamp.

Sky Majesty will drop back in trip to five furlongs for the first time on the Bois de Boulonge and was not disgraced when stepped up to Group One company in Haydock’s Sprint Cup last month.

Owned by Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom alongside Ian McAleavy, she brings proven soft ground form to the table having won on heavy in a Group Two at Chantilly as a two-year-old, while she added a further two victories on her travels in Ireland prior to her defeat on Merseyside.

Haggas’ hand is strengthened by First Instinct, who has proven a model of consistency this term and scooped Group Three honours in the World Trophy Stakes recently.

Of the pair’s chances, Haggas said: “They are both going to run and First Instinct has nothing to lose, she won well the other day at Newbury and is a filly in good form.

“It’s a little bit quick after the race, but she’s well and as we know the draw will be crucial.

“If she gets a nice low draw then she will be competitive, as will Sky Majesty who has never run over five furlongs before, but will be interesting, as she showed a lot of speed at Haydock and can cope with soft ground.

“She wasn’t as strong in the last furlong at Haydock, but I think if it gets really soft out there she would be a real player for sure, she’s talented.”

A day before the Abbaye, Haggas and Sky Majesty’s owners also have high hopes of success in the French capital with Park Hill Stakes winner Santorini Star, who tackles Group One opposition in the Qatar Prix de Royallieu after delighting her team at Doncaster.

“She ran very well at Doncaster and kept going well to the line and she’s a useful horse who I think keeps getting quicker too,” continued Haggas, who has won the race twice in the last three years.

“We know from when she won at York she’s got good stamina but she’s not slow.

“I think she’ll run a good race and is very well. I’m not sure she would want too much rain, but she will run anyway.”