Wait And See On Mandesha Run

Mandesha's participation in the Prix de l'Arc Triomphe remained unresolved last night with a decision still to be reached on whether the three-year-old filly will be in the line-up at Longchamp.

Alain de Royer-Dupre's charge won the Prix Vermeille effortlessly on her last outing and connections have been mulling over whether to supplement her for the end-of-season showpiece ever since.

The filly is owned by the Aga Khan's daughter, Princess Zahra, and Christophe Soumillon would be contracted to ride due to his association with the Aga.

But the Belgian also has a fantastic association with Andre Fabre's Shirocco, who currently heads the betting in some lists.

'There is no decision made at this point for Mandesha,' said Georges Rimaud, racing manager to the Aga Khan.

'The decision will be taken at the last minute, I think at Thursday at midday, unless his Highness decides to make the decision earlier.

'There is no reason why we should be pressured to make the decision before the deadline and at the moment that is what we are going to do.'

That means Shirocco's partner will also not be decided until the supplementary stage

'No decision has been made whatsoever (on who rides),' said Paul Harley, racing manager to Shirocco's owner Baron Georg von Ullman.

'We are just going to wait and see.

'If Christophe's available he will ride and if he isn't we will leave it up to Mr Fabre.'

Only 12 horses were confirmed for the feature at yesterday's five-day declaration stage meaning a small field will be guaranteed.

Fabre's Hurricane Run and Japanese superstar Deep Impact feature, as do Aidan O'Brien's Irish Champion Stakes hero Dylan Thomas and dual Classic winner Alexandrova, although both are far from certain to take up the challenge.

(C) PA Sport