Racing: Cauthen clings on to Arazi

STEVE CAUTHEN was still optimistic yesterday that his role in the restoration of Arazi will be rewarded with the ride in the Breeders' Cup Mile.

Under an agreement between joint owners Allen Paulson and Sheikh Mohammed, Pat Valenzuela rides the colt in the United Stakes and Cauthen takes over in Europe. But Valenzuela was criticised for his performance on Arazi in the Kentucky Derby and, after the colt's brilliant win under Cauthen in the Prix du Rond Point on Sunday, efforts may now be made to retain the winning partnership.

Cauthen has regularly put Arazi through his paces at Chantilly and Sheikh Mohammed's racing manager, Anthony Stroud, has hinted that Paulson may be persuaded to replace Valenzuela in America.

'There is every chance I will ride him. I am expecting them to realise it is probably the right thing to do,' Cauthen said yesterday. 'I have done a lot of work with the horse. He felt great on Sunday and I am very pleased for Francois Boutin who has been under a lot of pressure.

'He (Arazi) should have been given more time after being operated on following the Breeders' Cup. He was rushed into the Kentucky Derby,' Cauthen added.