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Menuisier eyeing French targets

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Trainer: DAVID MENUISIER
Trainer: DAVID MENUISIER Picture: Racing and Sports

David Menuisier is considering a trip back to France for History Writer  for a tilt at the Prix Quincey at Deauville in a bid to get his career back on track.

The Pulborough handler has earmarked the Group Three contest over a mile on August 30 for the Canford Cliffs gelding, who has failed to score since claiming glory in a Listed event at Saint-Cloud on his final start last season.

Having finished fifth in the rearranged Diomed Stakes at Newbury on his seasonal return, History Writer was out of luck upped to Group Two level for the first time in last week's Lennox Stakes at Goodwood.

Menuisier said: "There is a Group Three at the end of the month that we could look at for History Writer.

"We will just have to play it by ear as he wants that cut in the ground, so we will probably look to France next as that is where he is likely to get it.

"He came good last season later on in the year, but it is a bit too early to start making plans for October and November yet."

Although History Writer trailed home last on his most recent start, Menuisier feels the performance can be upgraded given the interference he suffered.

He added: "The result was a bit annoying as I don't think it was a true reflection. Unfortunately a horse came across him about a furlong out which caused him a couple of cuts, but nothing significant was done.

"I don't think he would have won, but he could have been in the top five or six which would have been quite extraordinary for him in a race like that on that sort of ground."

A return to France also appears on the agenda for stablemate Wonderful Tonight, with Menuisier keen to step the daughter of Le Havre up to Group Three company for the first time in the Prix Minerve at Deauville on August 16.

Wonderful Tonight has posted two solid efforts in defeat at Listed level this season, having finished fourth in the Abingdon Fillies' Stakes at Newbury on her return before finding only Valia too strong in the Prix de Thiberville at ParisLongchamp.

Menuisier said: "I was very pleased with the performance from Wonderful Tonight at Longchamp as she probably wanted a bit more cut in the ground than she had, while they think the winner could be an Arc filly.

"She had a hard enough race as she hadn't raced since finishing fourth at Newbury and she never really relaxed throughout the race. She was just doing a little bit too much throughout the race.

"That will have sharpened her up and it is a strong possibility she will go to Deauville for the Prix Minerve. She is lightly raced and there will be a good race in her as we've always liked her."


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