Shirocco Ready To Go To War

Connections of Shirocco have disregarded the widely-held belief that soft ground is a necessity for him in the Vodafone Coronation Cup at Epsom on Friday.

Andre Fabre's five-year-old has been installed as 4-5 favourite with Ladbrokes to win the Group One contest after his clear-cut win in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket this month.

Paul Harley, racing manager to owner-breeder Baron von Ullmann, said: 'He's in great and shape and we are delighted with him, but he doesn't necessarily need it as soft as everyone seems to be making out.

'His best performances have been on soft ground but good ground is also perfect for him.

'Myself and Mr Fabre certainly don't have any problems with the ground being either soft or good.'

Shirocco is again being targeted for the Arc later this year, with the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes also an option.

(C) PA Sport