Border primed for Abbaye challenge

Robin Bastiman admits to feeling under slightly more pressure ahead of Borderlescott's run in the Prix de l'Abbaye on Sunday.

The six-year-old finally bagged the big win his consistent efforts deserved in the rearranged Nunthorpe Stakes at Newmarket on his last start.

But whereas normally he has been viewed as a gallant outsider in the big races, this time there is more expectation on his shoulders.

'I don't know if the pressure has been lifted or not, there is certainly more expectation than normal,' said Bastiman.

'At least he finally got that monkey off his back though, people have been saying for years he deserves to win a big one and he finally did, so at least he has done it now.

'He went over there on Wednesday night and it all went well apart from the fact that he spread a plate and trying to find a farrier in France is like trying to find a goldmine!

'I think we've got it sorted now though and that won't be an excuse.

'He's had a nice break as he always runs well fresh so we saved him for this.

'We know most of the others, we're drawn near National Colour so hopefully she can take us along again like she did at Newmarket.

'We're looking forward to it, it should be a good day.'