Haggas sets sights on Arc rather than Leger with Maltese Cross

William Haggas has revealed Maltese Cross will be taken out of the Betfred St Leger and instead be aimed at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Runner-up in the Derby at Epsom, the Sea The Stars colt went one better in the Grand Prix de Paris over the Arc course and distance before following up in last week’s Great Voltigeur Stakes at York.

In the immediate aftermath, proud Yorkshireman Haggas was keen to let the dust settle before considering whether to contest the season’s final Classic at Doncaster or head to Paris in early October with his exciting three-year-old, but the decision has now been made.

“We are very conscious of the history of the St Leger and this being the 250th edition the challenge was very tempting, but it was felt that the extra time would be beneficial so, all being well, he will head to Paris on the first Sunday in October,” the trainer told Sportinglife.com.

Haggas also said his other Leger entry, Melrose winner Infraad, will instead head for the Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot on October 2.