Horse Racing News: Menuisier Weighs Goodwood Options for Caius Chorister, Avoids Kyprios
Trainer David Menuisier is still deciding on the assignment for Caius Chorister at the upcoming Qatar Goodwood Festival, keen to avoid a second meeting with Gold Cup hero Kyprios.
Owned by the enthusiastic Clive Washbourn, the five-year-old mare was a handicap winner at the ‘Glorious’ Goodwood meeting in 2022. However, her stock has since risen, and she is now considered a genuine top-level performer over staying distances.
After a convincing victory in the Prix Belle de Nuit at Saint-Cloud last autumn, Caius Chorister has taken her form to the next level this season. She recorded narrow defeats in both the Sagaro Stakes and Henry II Stakes, which set her up for a shot at the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot. Though she failed to last the stamina-sapping two-and-a-half-mile trip on that occasion, Menuisier remains confident of taking on the majority of the staying division again over slightly shorter distances – with one notable exception.
“She’s as bright as a button, as they say. She clearly just didn’t stay, but she has come out of the race as bright as anything really and is ready to go again,” said Menuisier. “She’s different to any other horse we’ve ever had, she is made of different stuff, she is just the toughest thing ever.”
The Qatar Goodwood Cup is an option for Caius Chorister, but Menuisier is keen to avoid a clash with Kyprios, who he considers the best stayer in Europe. If Kyprios does not turn up, the Goodwood Cup will be the target, but if he does, the Qatar Lillie Langtry Stakes will be the preferred assignment.
“Wherever he goes, we will avoid him,” Menuisier said. “I think over two miles, I will be happy enough to take on the rest of the stayers, because she does have speed, especially on quick ground. But we will not be able to crack Kyprios – and if he does turn up, that is why she has two engagements.”
Menuisier believes Caius Chorister is currently the best staying filly in Europe, and he is excited about her prospects for the rest of the season.
Another talented member of Menuisier’s string, Devil’s Point, is likely to skip a trip to Goodwood in favor of a summer campaign on the continent. The son of New Bay, who recently won the German 2000 Guineas, will drop back in trip for the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville before potentially returning to the Normandy coast for the Prix Maurice de Gheest.
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