Trainer Dermot Weld has confirmed that his star Tarnawa will now head over to America for the Breeders Cup meeting after landing back to back Group Ones when winning the Prix de l'Opera at the weekend.
The four year old has been superb this season winning all three of his events including the Group One Prix Vermeille at Longchamp and then when dropping back in trip on Sunday in the Opera.
The filly now has the option of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf or the Turf, where she would take on colts and geldings, and Weld has admitted that he is leaning more towards the Turf.
(Credit ATR) The experienced trainer said: “The present plan is Champions Day will come too soon because she has had a busy couple of months.
“She was a good winner at Group level here in Ireland in August and I just feel the extra time to the Breeders’ Cup would be beneficial.
“No decision will be made yet whether it will be the Filly & Mare or the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
What a filly, what a ride! Tarnawa wins the Prix de l’Opera Longines for @CSoumillon and Dermot Weld at @paris_longchamp pic.twitter.com/k8E5dQe87R
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 4, 2020
“I would like to see nearer to the day. It will be early November and I’ve been in Kentucky when they’ve had snow at that time of year, so don’t take it for definite the ground would be firm.
“Those factors will come into my mind.
“If it was fast ground, we might look more at the mile and a half (Turf).
“You must remember she’s won three Group races over a mile and a half. She is very effective over that distance.”
Having just got up on the line at the weekend it did show that 1m4f is her optimal trip and she has come out of the race in good shape.
Weld added: “She came back immediately after the race yesterday evening.
“She’s in great shape and was out in the field this morning and was as happy as could be.
“She’s a very good filly to win those two Group One races (Prix Vermeille and Opera), so competitive, back to back – (it) was a big achievement.
“We weren’t sure she’d handle the ground with the speed she has, whether she would as effective on that surface, was my concern.”