New Bay impresses in Prix Niel New Bay emphasised his Arc claims with an impressive success in the Qatar Prix Niel at Longchamp. Yet another winner for trainer Andre Fabre in the leading trial for the showpiece race on October 4th, rider Vincent Cheminaud was happy to sit behind stablemate Countermeasure through the early stages. The previously unbeaten Erupt moved up to join issue with Countermeasure before going on in the straight, but Cheminaud was never in panic mode, despite the momentary threat of being hemmed in by Ol' Man River, travelling very powerfully two furlongs out. Kicking a furlong and a half out, the French Derby hero quickened again to power clear for a bloodless triumph from Silverwave and Migwar, staying the mile-and-a-half trip in style. Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, said: " It could not have worked out better if we'd planned it ourselves, he settled well and has had a very good trial for the Arc. "Andre didn't think there was an issue about stamina - when you look at his breeding there was some doubt, but it is actually a very good staying family when you go back. "It was a really solid performance , he's learning all the time and apart from having a terrible draw in the (French) Guineas he has enjoyed a good season. "Treve sets the benchmark, but we will see just how good our horse is in three weeks' time. "We do have a small agreement with the jockey (Cheminaud), but the way we see it if our horses are good enough the jockeys will come to ride them. "We also have Flintshire for the Arc, but he will only run if the ground is good." Paddy Power halved New Bay in price for the Arc, going 4-1 from 8-1.
