Fabre Happy With Hurricane Ahead Of Arc Run

Andre Fabre has expressed himself happy with Hurricane Run as the Chantilly-based trainer puts the finishing touches to the colt´s preparation for the Prix de l´Arc de Triomphe - Lucien Barriere.

The son of Montjeu confirmed his position at the head of the betting for the Longchamp showpiece with a workmanlike rather than impressive victory in the Prix Niel over the Arc´s course and distance earlier this month.

Fabre is confident there is better to come from Hurricane Run, who is 5-2 favourite with William Hill for Sunday´s race.

'He´s like a teenager, he´s maturing all the time and I couldn´t be happier with his condition,' Fabre said.' I´m happy with all his work.

'He has taken his race in the Niel very well. He needed his prep-race.

'He needs a fast pace and hopefully we´ll get that on Sunday and I would prefer a bit of ease in the ground.'

Fabre has already won the Arc five times with Trempolino (1987), Subotica (1992), Carnegie (1994), Peintre Celebre (1997) and Sagamix (1998).

He added: 'Hurricane Run is a lazy type of horse. He´s different to Peintre Celebre in that he doesn´t have the same acceleration.'

And he joked: 'If he wins it will be my sixth win in the Arc and it will be time for me to retire!'

Fabre nominated Shawanda as a big danger to Hurricane Run.

He said: 'I´ve been impressed with her action and confirmation and what she´s done. It has been a long time since a three-year filly has won the Arc but she has a good chance.'

Officials at the Paris track will decide later this week whether or not to water the course.

A spokesman for Longchamp said: 'The ground is good. The forecast is very unsettled and decision about watering will be taken on Wednesday.

'The track is in perfect condition. We had a lot of rain in August and it looks beautiful - like a green carpet.'

(C) PA Sport