Haggas ‘really pleased’ with progress of Arc contender Cross

William Haggas is of the opinion Maltese Cross is “getting better with each race” as he looks ahead to his eagerly-awaited Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe challenge later this autumn.

Shortly after landing the Great Voltigeur at York, the Somerville Lodge handler elected to target Europe’s richest middle-distance prize and return to the scene of his Group One Grand Prix de Paris triumph at ParisLongchamp, rather than bid for Classic honours in the 250th Betfred St Leger.

That Knavesmire triumph over the likes of Aidan O’Brien’s Pierre Bonnard and Derby hero Christmas Day was the son of Sea The Stars’ fourth win in a season where his only defeat came when a brave second in soft ground at Epsom in the premier Classic.

Haggas is now relishing a trip to the French capital on October 4, for a race he came so close to winning with Sea Of Class, who was narrowly defeated by the great Enable in 2018.

“I’m very much looking forward to the Arc. A month is a long time in racing, but I’m obviously excited,” said Haggas.

“He could have won the Derby, but apart from that he’s been exceptional. I’ve been really pleased with his progress and he appears to me to be only getting better with each race and that is always a good sign.

“It’ll be tough, but I’m looking forward to it. If it could be a nice sunny day and lovely ground that would be great.”

Maltese Cross is owned by Hollywood film producer George Waud and was bought by the trainer’s son Sam Haggas as a yearling for 350,000 guineas.

The colt is as short as 9-2 second-favourite for the big day on the Bois de Boulogne, behind Francis-Henri Graffard’s defending champion Daryz who heads the betting at a general 3-1.