Racing: Hopes rise for Borgia plot

Confidence is growing in Germany that the country's brilliant filly Borgia will be a serious contender in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on Sunday. Kieren Fallon has the ride.

``We are certainly very hopeful. She has the speed as well as the stamina,'' Andreas Shutz, son of the filly's trainer Bruno Shutz, said last night. ``Borgia has won five of her seven races this season. She is the first to win the German Derby in over 60 years and is one of the best horses we have ever had.''

Andreas confirmed she will be supplemented for the Arc tomorrow. He has been running the stable since since Bruno became ill a month ago.

Fallon asked to ride Borgia in the Arc after winning a Group One event on her at Baden-Baden on 7 September. The filly's connections have backed her in Britain at 33-1. She is now a top-priced 20-1. The stable had two previous Arc runners. Both were unplaced, but ran creditably.