Ed Walker is looking at the Aug. 14 G1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville for his gallant G1 Prix Jean Prat runner-up Stormy Antarctic (GB) (Stormy Atlantic), but he is in no great rush to tackle the impressive winner Zelzal (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) again. Stormy Antarctic won the G3 Craven S. back in April, but pulled a muscle in his shoulder when running down the field in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. His problems are now behind him though, and Walker can plan the rest of the season with relish.
“I was absolutely delighted,” Walker told At The Races. “I'm not naturally the best loser and second is normally the most frustrating place, but on this occasion I was absolutely delighted. After the disappointment of the 2000 Guineas and him suffering a setback, to get him right back to his best form is very satisfying. George (Baker) felt he's really growing up and [Sunday] answered a lot of questions with regards to the ground [and] riding style, as we were much more positive, and it really suited.”
Added Walker, “On a sounder surface he's probably ready for a step up to 10 furlongs, but when it's softer a mile will be fine. It was quicker than good ground, they broke the track record easily. There are loads of options, but I think the Jacques le Marois will be his main target and we'll hope for slightly slower ground. To be honest, I wouldn't be afraid of taking on any of the milers, but I'm not that keen to take on Zelzal again. The Marois and [G1 Qatar] Prix du Moulin [de Longchamp Aug. 21] are options, along with the [G1] QEII [at Ascot Oct. 15] at the end of the year. He won't go to Goodwood.”
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