Trainer Corine Barande-Barbe said she will wait until she sees Cirrus des Aigles (Fr) (Even Top {Ire}) upon his return from Hong Kong before making a retirement decision on the 9-year-old gelding. Cirrus des Aigles checked in 10th of 13 in Sha Tin's G1 Hong Kong Vase Dec. 13, wrapping up a year that has been largely disappointing after a season-opening score in the G1 Prix Ganay.
“Everybody has an opinion, but I can't say anything until I have seen the horse,” said the Chantilly-based Barande-Barbe. “I will see how he is when he is home. I will discuss it with the owner and then we will decide. The horse will tell us what he wants to do.”
The conditioner noted that Cirrus des Aigles exited the race in good shape.
“He was very well after the race,” she said. “The girl who is looking after him said by 4 p.m. on Sunday he was screaming for his dinner.”
“He never appreciates the ground in Hong Kong,” she added. “It is very special ground and he confirmed that on Sunday.”
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