Ramatuelle© Photo Healy Racing
Ramatuelle will attempt to uphold family honour and emulate the great French mare Goldikova when she seeks Breeders’ Cup Mile glory in California on Saturday.
Trained by Freddy Head for the Wertheimer brothers, Goldikova made the eight-furlong contest her own, winning it for three straight years between 2008-2010 and ending her glorious career with a valiant third in the race at Churchill Downs in 2011.
Now Head’s son, Christopher, will seek to relive the French glory days at the Breeders’ Cup with his own special filly, who having excited at two has performed with credit in a host of big races this term before storming to victory in Prix de la Foret when last seen.
Ramatuelle, who is part-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker, faces off against 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech in a blockbuster clash at Del Mar, as the great French hope bids to end Charlie Appleby’s winning run in the event.
She returns to a mile after her emphatic victory over seven furlongs at ParisLongchamp on Arc day, with her handler confident of a bold bid after being handed an inside draw.
Head, whose father also rode the magnificent dual Mile winner Miesque, said: “Everything is all right with Ramatuelle. Her number in the draw is pretty OK because she has that turn of foot that can gain her any position and it was evident when she won the Foret.
“I’m confident about her stamina and we know she’s very good between seven furlongs and a mile.”
Head, who saw Blue Rose Cen and Big Rock moved by their owners for this season, added: “It’s been a strange season for me between owners and trainer, but my owners are making it easy for me to be a good trainer.
“I look back at Goldikova who was so perfect in every way and I’m very proud to train for the Wertheimers.”
