Menuisier sounds caution over claims of Wonderful Tonight

YESTERDAY’S torrential downpours may have convinced punters that confirmed mud-lover Wonderful Tonight is the one to be on for the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes, but her trainer David Menuisier remains more cautious.

Backed from 11-1 to 9-2 in the space of two hours, Wonderful Tonight will definitely act on the testing ground, but there are concerns such conditions may prove too much of a test first time out for the

Group 1 winner on her first start since October.

“She’s definitely ready to run,” Menuisier said. “I gave her a blowout this morning and she didn’t blow much afterwards.

“They are good conditions for her first run. It’s the right race at the right time and at the right place, but she does tend to race a bit freely – I can’t guarantee she won’t blow up. Win or lose, she’ll come on big time for the run.”

Menuisier has made no secret of the fact Wonderful Tonight’s principal aim in 2021 is the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October.

“Her whole season is based around that,” he confirmed. “I’d love her to win the Hardwicke, but it’s not the main target.

“She’s never run against colts – she was kept to fillies races at two and three. I’m sure she’ll be able to cope. She’ll have to if she’s to achieve what we think she can.

“It’s a big day for her. If she’d had a run I’d be more bullish. I’m hopeful, but I’m not going to lie – Ascot isn’t the big objective.”

‘I can’t guarantee she won’t blow up. Win or lose, she’ll come on for the run’