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Treve 'perfect' in work for Saint-Cloud; Epicuris likely to cut back in trip Dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) heroine Treve (Motivator) pleased trainer Criquette Head-Maarek in routine exercise Monday in preparation for the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) June 28. The five-year-old mare, campaigned by Al Shaqab Racing, made a smooth return to competition when taking the May 29 Prix Corrida (Fr-G2) by four lengths over Group 1 winner We Are (Dansili). It was her first appearance since her successful Arc defense in October. "The champ is very well and looks in great form, never better," said Head-Maarek. "She had a little canter and there were no problems -- she looked perfect. She is all set for Saint-Cloud." Head-Maarek also commented on Epicuris' (Rail Link) fifth-place finish in Saturday's Derby (Eng-G1) at Epsom. Believing that the 1 1/2-mile distance likely saw him out, she was pleased with her charge's effort nonetheless and noted he could return to run in England. Last year's Criterium de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) winner has displayed an aversion to the starting gates, and bypassed the May 31 Prix du Jockey Club (Fr-G1)after France Galop officials said they would not permit handler Nicolas Blondeau to load the colt. Blondeau handled Epicuris at Epsom. "I was very pleased with him in the stalls, and I thought Epsom's senior stewards and (Blondeau) did a great job with him," said Head-Maarek. "If I do not get the go-ahead to have Blondeau with him at the start, I don't see how I can run him in France. "Nothing has been decided, but we will look for races elsewhere, perhaps coming back to England with him over a shorter distance." Head-Maarek also trained Epicuris's dam, Argumentative (Observatory), for owner-breeder Khalid Abdullah, and she revealed the mare's stamina limitations gave her cause for concern with Epicuris. "I was a bit scared about him getting the trip as his mother didn't stay, and I think that was the case," she said. "I just felt it (the Derby trip) was too long for him." Another of Head-Maarek and Khalid Abdullah's promising sophomores, Full Mast (Mizzen Mast), will head to the Prix Jean Prat (Fr-G1) July 12. Promoted winner of the Jean-Luc Lagardere (Fr-G1) last October, Full Mast was an encouraging second on his return in the Prix Paul de Moussac (Fr-G3) Saturday. "I was very happy with Full Mast because it was his first run back and it wasn't easy giving six pounds to good horses," said Head-Maarek. "The horse looked superb and has lost no ability. He has come back well from the race and we will now run him in the Jean Prat." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
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