Princess Zoe ready to shine in testing conditions

Tony Mullins is one man who will not be disappointed with the prospect of heavy ground ahead of Princess Zoe’s step up to Group One company in the Prix du Cadran today.

The mare has progressed from being beaten off a handicap mark of just 64 on her first run for Mullins after arriving from Germany to winning her her next four races, including two at the Galway Festival in the space of a week.

She handled the step up to Listed company last time out on heavy ground, and Mullins hopes similar conditions at ParisLongchamp may just slow the favourite Call To Wind down a little.

“I certainly never expected to be in a Group One with her, but when we started training her I knew we had a very good handicapper. I certainly didn’t think we’d be here within three months, second-favourite too,” said Mullins.

“Admittedly it was a much lower-grade race, but the evidence from Galway was that she was only starting to open up over two-miles-one and it is a savage hill there.

“From that we are confident she’ll stay (two and half miles), but you can never be sure until you dip your toe in the water.”

Call To Wind won the race two years ago for Freddy Head on good ground — but was beaten into second on heavy 12 months ago.

Mullins went on: “He (Call The Wind) has a high rating (115), but I’ve been through his form meticulously over the last few days and I don’t think he’s run to above 110 when there’s been a good cut in the ground.

“He’s still a formidable horse, even with cut, but I’m hoping, because we’ve no worries on the ground, it might just level it off and give us a serious chance.”

Apprentice jockey Joey Sheridan has ridden Princess Zoe the last twice and connections felt no need to change a winning partnership, especially given the regard in which he holds the youngster.

Muillins said: “We have the utmost confidence in Joey, I think he’s a star in the making but he’s a long way to go. It’s only every 10 or 15 years you see a star coming through and I think I see one here.

“He’s had three Listed winners this year, not using his claim, on three different horses which is exceptional for a 5lb claimer. And he’s not riding for the top stables, it’s rare what he’s done.

“It’s massively exciting for us and I hope it is for everyone around us as well.”