Maltese Cross reverses Derby form in the Voltigeur Maltese Cross staked his claim for the Betfred St Leger or Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with a gallant performance in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. Second to the reopposing Christmas Day in the Derby, William Haggas’ stable star stalked a trio of Aidan O’Brien runners, with the Epsom hero making the first move after Antigua’s pacemaking duties were complete. The strong-travelling Maltese Cross was quickly alongside, however, and the Sea The Stars colt found plenty when asked, despite O’Brien’s Pierre Bonnard closing in. Under a Tom Marquand drive, Maltese Cross continued to power to the line, defying his 5lb penalty for victory in the Grand Prix de Paris to secure the Group Two prize by two lengths at a price of 9-4. Haggas, who went mighty close in the Arc with Sea Of Class in 2018, said: “We had a conversation about the Arc when Baaeed was around and I was pretty non-committal, and I’ll be the same again. “He clearly stays very well and the St Leger is a prestigious race in its own right, so let’s not be hasty and make decisions today. “I’ve no idea where we’re going, but I was really pleased with him and I thought today, if he won with his 5lb penalty, that was a good sign. “I thought he came there well, Tom said he went too early, which I think he did, but he got drawn into it because Ryan (Moore, on Christmas Day) set off. “He did very well today – I think that was probably a career-best. He showed a nice turn of foot in Paris last time that we didn’t think he had. “All options are open. The ground in Paris is likely to be slower than today and that’s a factor, and if it’s dry at Doncaster that’s also a factor. “They’re two very prestigious races. Obviously one is world renowned, but the other is very prestigious to a Yorkshire-born, English trainer and owner. “That was a Group One performance today.” Film director and owner George Waud said: “William Haggas is the maestro obviously and we’ll make our minds up in the next few days, I would have thought. “I do like France. Racing brings me so much joy. I love it.” O’Brien said of Christmas Day (third) and Pierre Bonnard: “I was very happy with both horses, really. “They both had a break after they ran in the Irish Derby and we knew the two of them were going to come on from it. “It was a tough race and William’s horse is a very classy horse, but we’re delighted with ours. “I would imagine they will both point towards the St Leger now, that was what we were thinking before this.”
