Christopher Head will give his unbeaten juvenile Avec Toi a first experience of ParisLongchamp when the Coolmore-owned colt runs in the Prix La Rochette on September 6, a move intended as preparation for the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at the Arc meeting.
The son of Now Nay Never has progressed through three victories this season, beginning with a debut success at Saint-Cloud before landing Listed and Group 3 contests at Deauville. His most recent outing saw him score convincingly in the Prix François Boutin under Pierre-Charles Boudot.
Building experience ahead of Group 1 targets
Head is planning the Longchamp trip as a purposeful step to familiarise the two-year-old with the track and the distinctive characteristics of running on the big Paris course. The timing of the La Rochette is judged suitable to provide a competitive rehearsal before tackling the French mile Group 1 in early October.
With the colt unbeaten in three, the campaign to date has been handled carefully. His pattern of starts — debut, Listed, then Group 3 — has been geared towards progressive exposure to higher-class racing, and the La Rochette represents the next rung on that ladder.
Attributes suggest Guineas potential
Avec Toi has impressed his trainer with his physical presence and temperament. Connections believe he carries the make-up to step up in trip and handle a mile as a three-year-old, which naturally draws attention to the spring classics in the UK and Ireland.
Head has indicated an intention to plan next season with the major middle-distance and mile targets in mind, and he has not ruled out sending the colt to Britain at some stage. That trajectory — moving from promising juvenile to a three-year-old contesting the Guineas or similar races — is now under active consideration by trainer and owners, with the emphasis on assessing the horse race by race.
Campaign management and connections’ aims
- Owner involvement: The Coolmore partnership retain overall control of the campaign and will be consulted on the best international targets as Avec Toi matures.
- Race selection: The La Rochette is being used primarily as a track familiarisation run prior to a confirmed entry in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on October 4.
- Long-term direction: Plans for the three-year-old season will be developed with an eye to top Guineas-type assignments, dependent on the colt’s progress and the owners’ preferences.
The step to Longchamp will give trainers and connections a clearer picture of how Avec Toi handles a big course and more exposed racing conditions. It will also provide a gauge of his ability against rivals who may also be earmarked for major juvenile and early three-year-old engagements.
Context for Guineas followers
For those following the Guineas trail, Avec Toi’s pattern of performances and his connections make him a horse to monitor as the winter and spring approaches. Young colts who show both a temperament to cope with higher-class racing and a pedigree suggesting a mile can often be aimed at Classic trials and ultimately the 2000 Guineas should they continue to progress.
Head’s approach of taking races as they come — while keeping long-term objectives in view — is a familiar template for managing a highly regarded juvenile. The La Rochette outing will be a useful indicator of whether Avec Toi’s unbeaten form can be translated into success at the highest level and how firmly he belongs on a Guineas-style path next season.
Connections will watch the run at Longchamp closely, before confirming plans for the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and mapping out any subsequent trip to Britain in the spring.
