Racing: Borgia has Fallon scheming

Borgia claimed a top race in Germany yesterday, initiating a Machiavellian manoeuvre involving the winner's rider, Kieren Fallon and next month's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Shortly after dismounting at Baden-Baden, Fallon said: ``Borgia is definitely good enough to run in the Arc. I'd love to ride this filly if I am not claimed for Dushyantor.''

Fallon is stable jockey for Dushyantor's trainer, Henry Cecil, who has yet to confirm his colt as an Arc runner on 5 October. Borgia, from the yard of Bruno Shutz, whose victory yesterday came in the Group One Grosser Preis von Baden over 12 furlongs, is not yet entered for the Longchamp race but may now be supplemented.

The home-trained winner beat Ray Cochrane's mount, Luso, by a length and a half, with Predappio, the Frankie Dettori-ridden favourite, half a length back in third. Fallon commented: ``If I had known Borgia better I would have waited longer and would have won more easily. I like this filly a lot.''

Helissio, the 1996 Arc victor, remains favourite for this year's running despite finishing only second at Longchamp. He failed to match the speed of Spinning World in the Prix de Moulin, one of Europe's major mile races, and was beaten by three lengths. But Helissio still ran a fine Arc trial over what was clearly an inadequate distance. He would have been closer had Olivier Peslier been able to extract his mount from a pocket on the rails three furlongs from home. He did hit the front two furlongs out, but Spinning World quickly joined him and quickened clear inside the last 220 yards.

Spinning World, trained at Chantilly by Jonathan Pease, may now contest the Breeders' Cup Classic at Hollywood Park in preference to the the Breeders' Cup Mile. Jockey Cash Asmussen said: "He'll stay a mile and a quarter on dirt. I am sure of it."

The Anglo-Irish challenge proved disappointing with Classic Park (John Reid) fifth, Rebecca Sharp (Michael Hills) seventh and Bijou D'Inde fading to finish eighth of nine.

Tommy Stack saddled his first contestant in the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh and his Tarascon just got the better of Heed My Warning, owned by actor John Hurt. Tarascon was driven right out by Pat Smullen to take the prize by a head. Shahtoush was best of Aidan O'Brien's four contenders, beating stablemate and favourite Heeremandi for third.

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, latest betting (William Hill): 3-1 Helissio (from 7-2), 5-1 Peintre Celebre & Swain, 7-1 Pilsudski, 10-1 Vereva, 12- 1 Desert King & My Emma, 16-1 Ebadiyla, 20-1 Astarabad, Classic Cliche, Darazari & Oscar Schindler, 25-1 Magellano, Mousse Glacee & Silver Patriarch, 33-1 bar.