Danedream seeks historic 2nd Arc de Triomphe win

PARIS (AFP) –

Andrasch Starke celebrates on Danedream after winning the 2011 Prix De l’Arc De Triomphe at Longchamps last October. Danedream’s victory in last year’s Arc de Triomphe exceeded the expectations of her connections but this year anything other than a win in Europe’s most prestigious race would be a disappointment for trainer Peter Schiergen.

Danedream’s victory in last year’s Arc de Triomphe exceeded the expectations of her connections but this year anything other than a win in Europe’s most prestigious race would be a disappointment for trainer Peter Schiergen.

The 47-year-old former German champion jockey – who delivered only Germany’s second win in the Arc when his filly won in a record time at Longchamp last year – told AFP that she was in even better shape than in 2011 when the decision to pay 100,000 euros to supplement her for the race paid off handsomely.

“Last year our plan was to get a place, this year it is to win,” said Schiergen.

“She is in great shape. I think she is a better horse this year, well at least I hope so! She is a year older and that bit more mature.”

Danedream, who will be ridden again by Andrasch Starke, has shown this year that her victory was no flash in the pan as she won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, getting up to beat Nathaniel in a thrilling finish, and the Grosser Preis von Baden Baden for a second successive year.

Andrasch Starke rides Danedream across the finishing to win the 2011 Prix De L´Arc De Triomphe at Longchamps in a record time.

Schiergen, who has a stable of 120 horses, said that there would be no change in the race tactics.

“She is better at coming from the back like she did in the King George so there is no reason to change the strategy,” he said.

“I see no problem with that. She is strong enough to cope with any eventuality.”

Schiergen said that while she wouldn’t be disturbed by rain Danedream preferred to race on fast ground as she displayed last year with her blistering burst down the straight that carried her clear of the pack.

Even though she has maintained her form this season aside from facing a top class field she also has to battle against the statistics.

No filly has won successive Arcs since 1936/37 and the ill-fated Corrida (who disappeared from her paddock during the World War II Battle for Normandy in 1944) and no horse has returned to win consecutive Arcs since Irish colt Alleged in 1977/78.

Danedream (right), ridden by Andrasch Starke runs in the 2,400m Japan Cup the Tokyo Race Course last November.

“I didn’t see Alleged’s victories but I am aware of what an extraordinary achievement that is,” said Schiergen.

“The fact no one has won it twice since illustrates what a tremendous challenge it is.

“However, Danedream is an exceptional racehorse as she showed last year and this season and we have high hopes for her.”

Schiergen, though, while relieved tough as teak English mare Snow Fairy – who was third last year and warmed up for this year’s renewal with victory in the Irish Champion Stakes – was ruled out on Friday with a leg injury acknowledges there are several dangers lurking in the field.

“The (Epsom) Derby winner (Camelot) and the Japanese horse Orfevre are the two that I worry about,” said Schiergen.

“Having said that the quality of the field is good as always and Shareta (last year’s runner-up when a pacemaker but running this time on her own merits) too has claims.”

Schiergen, who said that Danedream’s victory in the Arc had proved to be a real boon for the profile of German racing, will just focus on his star and let the others do their job.

“What they do is out of my hands, I can only look after Danedream, her tactics and my instructions to Andrasch and then hope that is replayed to the letter on the racetrack and that everything goes in our favour.”