High Chaparral's participation in the Prix Niel at Longchamp on Sunday hinges on the outcome of tests to be taken later this week. Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle yard has been hit by an outbreak of coughing this summer and the trainer had not been happy with the dual Derby winner's blood picture at the weekend, but still hopes to run Michael Tabor's colt in France.
'I think there's a good chance he'll run,' O'Brien told attheraces. He added: 'He'll go through all his tests on Wednesday and Thursday and if everything is well the chances are he'll be there. He's in good form and we'd love to get a run into him.'
If all goes well on Sunday O'Brien is hoping to aim High Chaparral at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe also at Longchamp on October 6. O'Brien also commented on his unbeaten two-year-old Van Nistlerooy. He revealed that the horse will run at the Curragh on Sunday in a Group One race the trainer won with Hawk Wing last September.
He said: 'The plan is maybe that he'll go to the National Stakes on Sunday providing everything is well with him and all his tests are clear. But he's in good form and been working nicely. That has been the plan from day one maybe for that to be his fourth run. So hopefully he'll be okay for then.'
Van Nistlerooy is generally around 10-1 for the Sagitta 2000 Guineas.
