La Cressonniere steps up preparations for L’ Arc de Triomphe bid

One of the stars of the European flat season, La Cressonniere, returns to action at Deauville today as part of her preparation for a possible tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in October.

Winner of both the French 1,000 Guineas and Oaks, La Cressonniere is currently a 12-1 shot in most Arc betting lists.

She will line up against three stable companions and a pair of British-trained rivals in the Prix de la Nonette this afternoon.

One of the rivals to the Jean Claude Rouget-trained filly is Roger Varian’s Nezwaah, a Listed winner at Newcastle on her last start.

“La Cressonniere sets a very high standard and we meet on level terms but Nezwaah is progressive and she deserves a place in the line-up,” said Varian.

Four winners

Ruby Walsh goes to Ballinrobe today for three rides and with four winners from his last seven mounts no doubt many will reckon the champion jockey is set to make it a worthwhile trip.

His sole spin for Willie Mullins is on New Kid In Town in the concluding Beginners Chase and this one can use the experience of his recent Kilbeggan debut over fences to winning effect.

Walsh will also be on Leap Dearg for James Nash in the conditions chase but Head Turner may be a better option when she returns to flights in the mares handicap hurdle. Pat Fahy's charge ran a decent race on the flat at Roscommon recently.

Irish Bulletin has a sixth start over fences today.

He failed to make the anticipated impact over flights at the Galway festival.

But his hurdles success at Limerick prior to that suggests the JP McManus-owned runner may be reasonably treated on this occasion.