Arc remains an option for Agent Murphy

Trainer Brian Meehan says a run in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp next month is still a possibility for Agent Murphy.

The four-year-old colt was second to runaway victor Order Of St George in the Irish St Leger at the Curragh last weekend.

That run came on the back of a promising victory at Group Three level in the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury in August.

The Long Distance Cup on Champions Day at Ascot and the Arc at Longchamp on October 4 are both under consideration by Meehan.

The trainer has suggested a trip to Paris could see his charge playing for places behind the hat-trick seeking filly Treve in the Arc.

“He ran a smashing race (at the Curragh), I was very pleased with him,” said the Manton handler.

“I don’t know if he’ll go to Ascot as he’s still in the Arc and I haven’t ruled that out yet. Someone has to finish second to Treve!”

Criquette Head-Maarek’s Treve is seeking to become the first three-time winner of the Arc and she warmed up in brilliant style when romping to victory in the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp last Sunday.

She is now 1.91 to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but her trainer was taking nothing for granted despite a dominant performance in her final prep race.

“It is three weeks to the Arc and obviously she is in very good form but we have seen a very good colt here already today (in New Bay) and also in England as well. The Arc will be a different matter and it’s not won yet,” Head-Maarek said.

French Derby winner New Bay is 5.00 to win the Arc while Epsom Derby winner Golden Horn is 8.00 following his victory in the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.