Night Raider in line for Abbaye if ground proves suitable

After another fine effort in defeat in Ireland, connections of Night Raider are keeping a close eye on conditions in Paris ahead of a possible run in the Prix de l’Abbaye.

Karl Burke’s speedy son of Dark Angel has been knocking on the door in the major sprint contests throughout the season and went down on his shield once again when a close-up fifth to Arizona Blaze in the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh.

The four-year-old’s quest for an elusive breakout victory in top company could now take him to the French capital on Arc weekend if the weather allows.

“He’s very fast and it was a big run in Ireland over what was a stiff five furlongs on sticky ground, which just means that last three-quarters of a furlong is a long way home for him,” explained Richard Brown, racing adviser for owners Wathnan Racing.

“He’s probably better on faster ground and I’m not saying he didn’t handle the ground, but it was just a bit sticky which makes it tough at the finish.

“We’re going to keep an eye on the Abbaye and looking at the forecast there it looks like they’re having a bit of an Indian summer. I’ve seen 30 degrees listed in one forecast this week with not huge amounts of rain for Paris.

“As long as it wasn’t bottomless he would probably take his chance and it’s one of the fastest five-furlong courses around, so hopefully it will suit him.”

Set to join Night Raider at ParisLongchamp on Arc weekend is Paddy Twomey’s One Look, who finished second in the Group Two Blandford Stakes in her first outing in the old gold and peacock blue of Wathnan.

“The draw and the set-up of the race didn’t work perfectly but we were very pleased with the run,” continued Brown.

“The plan was always to go there and then the Prix de l’Opera and that remains the plan.”