Boussac trip a boost for Wuheida

Some great fillies have been unearthed in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc weekend in recent decades.
 
There was a golden period in the 1980s when Triptych, Midway Lady and Miesque all won the race, followed by Salsabil and Shadayid.
 
Of late, Zarkava and Found have kept the flag flying. It is still a showcase race for Classic fillies.
 
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby is not predicting such big things for Wuheida -- not yet -- but he expects the lightly-raced filly to give a good account of herself.
 
She won her only outing, a Fillies' Maiden at Newmarket in August, a race that has worked out well.
 
"We were delighted with that win," the trainer added. "It's a pity she hasn't had a prep race for this. We withdrew her from a race at Newbury because we felt the ground was too soft.
 
"The one-mile trip is the key to her chances. There doesn't appear to be any stand-outs in the race," he added.

Other key Godolphin hopes on Arc day rest with Pleascach in the G1 Prix de l'Opera and Birchwood in the G1 Prix de la Foret.

Trainer Jim Bolger expects Pleascach to run well on her first outing in over a year. She finished fourth to Golden Horn in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.
 
"Pleascach has had a few setbacks through the year, which have kept her off the track, but she is in good shape now," Bolger said.
 
"We are expecting a good performance from her," he added.
 
Birchwood has been largely disappointing of late, apart from a win at Chester, but trainer Richard Fahey is hoping he can put that behind him.
 
"Birchwood has been working very well this week and I am happy with him going into the race on Sunday.
 
"You have to ignore his most recent few races to be confident of him winning, but he has given me every indication that he can bounce back to his best," he added.