Diamond Necklace may head to Breeders’ Cup after Arc third

Diamond Necklace finished third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and may now contest the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland, subject to her recovery.

The filly started from the widest draw in stall 16 yet produced a strong effort. She was kept three wide throughout and finished narrowly behind Bay City Roller, with Daryz taking the victory.

Aidan O’Brien described the performance as impressive given the circumstances. He noted that Diamond Necklace had only recently been able to take regular training work and may still be strengthening.

Two other O’Brien runners, Benvenuto Cellini and Minnie Hauk, finished ninth and tenth respectively. Benvenuto Cellini broke slowly, while Minnie Hauk was trapped in a slow pace.

Precise ran well in the Prix de l’Opera and could drop back in distance for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf.

O’Brien said decisions on future targets for the horses will depend on their condition and the plans of their owners.