Weld Considering French Option For Zhukova Trainer Dermot Weld is considering a tilt at the Prix Vermeille at Chantilly next month with star filly Zhukova. Weld told The Irish Times that the traditional Prix de l'arc de Triomphe trial is firmly in his sights: "The Vermeille is a distinct possibility but we'll wait and see what the weather is going to do before deciding anything with Zhukova. The home-bred daughter of Fastnet Rock is versatile in terms of ground having already tasted success on both Good to Firm and Heavy surfaces. Zhukova heads into the second half of the season a relatively fresh horse having only seen action twice as the stable's runners were under a cloud for much of the last three months with a virus. Weld's string has bounced back to form in recent weeks with 13 winners (from 43 runners) under both codes in the last 21 days including an across the cards double yesterday.
