April 2021 maiden winners

BUBBLE GIFT (c3), FRA by Nathaniel ex Bubble Back (Grand Lodge)

Prix de la Berline du Duc de Bourbon (Maiden 3-year-old Colts & Geldings, 2,400 m/122f), April 26, Chantilly

• Owner: Zak Bloodstock
• Trainer: Mikel Delzangles
• Breeder: Ali Hakam
• Rider: Gérald Mossé

Bubble Gift (Nathaniel) confirms his second place over the same 1m1/2 at Saint-Cloud in the Prix Amour Drake by winning next time out at Chantilly over the same distance in 2'30"7. It was his 3rd race, the second this term, and it justifies his Grand Prix de Paris. He beat by over a length the German raider Alter Adler (Adlerflug).

Bubble Gift is a brother to Bubble Chic (Chichicastenango), second in the Critérium de Saint-Cloud (Gr1) in 2010 and the Prix du Jockey Club the following year, but also a Group 3 winner at Newmarket before moving to Hong Kong. Bubble Chic was sold in 2010 for €33,000. Their dam Queen Bubble (Layman) had finished 2^nd in the Prix Charles Laffitte (L) in 2012.

NATSUKASHI (f3), FRA by Motivator (GB) ex Radiation (Anabaa)

Prix de la Calèche des Impératrices (Maiden 3-year-old Fillies, 2,400m/12f), April 26, Chantilly

• Owner: Ecurie Griezmann
• Trainer: Philippe Decouz
• Breeder: Haras du Quesnay
• Rider: Jules Mobian

Natsukashi (Motivator) refused to enter the starting stalls on March 25 but that was all forgotten and forgiven here with a decisive win for her real debut. Still last entering the last straight, she finally won the race on the bit by 8 lengths in 2’33’’8.

She also was the only unraced filly to take part. Last year, Ebaiyra finished 2^nd in this race and went on to win the Prix de Pomone (Gr2), finally taking the 3rd place in the Qatar Prix de Royallieu (Gr1). The Ecurie Griezmann, representing the international football striker Antoine Griezmann, has entered the filly in the Saxon Warrior Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary (Gr1) and the Prix de Diane Longines (Gr1).

Natsukashi was sold as a yearling at Arqana in October 2019 to Broadhurst Agency (Laurent Benoît) for €60,000. Four of her dam Radiation (Anabaa)’s six foals were sold in France, including Natsukashi’s full sister, also sold in October at Deauville to Jérémy Brummit for €28,000.

FARO DE SAN JUAN (c2), IRE by Almanzor ex Fixette (Kodiac)

Prix du Soleil de Bretagne (Unraced 2-year-olds, 1,100m/5.5f), April 26, Chantilly

• Owners: Peter Katelanis, Haras d’Étreham, Riviera Equine S.A.R.L, Sf Bloodstock Sc
• Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
• Breeder: Lynch-Bages Ltd
• Rider: Pierre-Charles Boudot

The first Francis-Henri Graffard-trained juvenile racing this season, Faro de San Juan (Almanzor) proved to be already quite mature as he shook off a little brush going out of the starting stalls and won all the way. He held off a nice challenge from the filly Perfect Colour (Ultra).

He’s the first runner and the first winner in France by Almanzor (Wootton Bassett).

His dam Fixette (Kodiac) was also trained by Graffard and finished 2^nd in both the Prix du Bois (Gr3, 5f) and the Prix de Cabourg (Gr3, 6f) in 2016 for Haras d’Etreham.

Consigned by Norelands Stud at the Tattersalls breeding sales in 2019, he made £160,000 and was bought that day by Haras d’Etreham & SF Bloodstock (Gavin Murphy).

MATILDA DU BERLAIS (f3), FRA by Martaline ex Nikita du Berlais (Poliglote)

Prix Wild Monarch (3-year-ol fillies unraced over jumps, 3,000m/15f, Hurdle Race), April 25, Auteuil

• Owner: Magalen Bryant
• Trainer: David Cottin
• Breeder: Haras du Berlais
• Rider: Felix de Giles

Three of the four David Cottin-trained fillies in the race took off in the last turn and found themselves on their own to fight for victory as early as the 2^nd last hurdle. Even though she’d already had two runs over the flat, the front-running Saintamarin (Saint des Saints), however, soon gave way to her two stablemates. Il the run-in, Matilda du Berlais (Martaline) resisted the favourite’s challenge Foxy Girl (Saint des Saints) and won by a good length.

Matilda du Berlais is the 3rd foal out of Nikita du Berlais (Poliglote), who won eight race at Auteuil, including the Georges de Talhouët-Roy 3-year-old Hurdle Race (Gr3) with David Cottin as the rider.

Nikita du Berlais is a sister to Bonito du Berlais (King’s Theatre), winner of the Cambacérès 3-year-old Hurdle race (Gr1). So far, she gave birth to 4 fillies, the latest by Great Pretender born in 2019.

PARADISO (c3), FRA by Kapgarde ex No News (Gentlewave)

Prix Wild Monarch (3-year-old colts & geldings unraced over jumps, 3,000m/15f), April 21, Auteuil

• Owner: Génétique Obstacle
• Trainer: David Cottin
• Breeder: Haras de la Croix Sonnet & Albert Hosselet
• Rider: Kevin Nabet

An easy win for the favourite Paradiso (Kapgarde), who made his move entering the last bend and wasn't really challenged in the run-in as one of his best rivals, Matterhorn (Martaline), who had travelled behind the leaders, made a mistake at the last jump. He finally got back in the race soon enough to keep the 3rd place One of the three entire colts in the race with Paradiso and the front runner Inscrit (Martaline), Cuzco du Mathan (Martaline) did well to stay on in second place.

The winner is out of the Wildenstein-bred No News (Gentlewave), three times a winner over the flat for Ecurie La Boëtie before entering stud, where she son gave birth to Messagère (Saint des Saints), a Prix Sagan 3yo Fillies Hurdle (Gr3) winner, and then Divination (Martaline), winner of her only hurdle race to data, in March 2020. She hasn't run again since. No News also gave a Cloth of Stars filly sold for € 60,000 at Arqana. Paradiso was so sold there for €150,000 to the same bidder, Paul Basquin's Haras du Saubouas.

This is the great family of the mare Newness…

BURGARITA (f3), GB by Sea the Stars ex Angelita (Alzao)

€27,000 Prix de Chaillot (Unraced 3-year-old fillies, 2,100m/10.5f), April 18, Longchamp

• Owner: Écurie Ama.Zingteam (Prizemoney: €13,500 / UK-bred, no Owners' Premium)
• Trainer: André Fabre
• Breeder: Dayton Investments (UK-bred, no Breeders' Premium)
• Rider: Mickaël Barzalona

Unlike In Crowd in the Juigné moments earlier, Burgarita (Sea the Stars) was ridden in the rear by Mickaël Barzalona, and she took over 2 out at the end of a long acceleration, finally resisting Khalidiya (Oasis Dream), who came by her on the bit but couldn't keep up in the end.

The two fillies were home 3;5 lengths ahead of the field, which is exactly 5/10th of a second.

Burgarita was bred by the Wildensteins' Dayton and sold for £95,000 as a yearling at Tattersalls to Tally-Ho Stud, who in turn put her in the Goffs breeze-up sales in 2020, but finally withdrew her. Her catalogue page mentions the classic performers Agathe and Aquarelliste, and also Breeders'Cup Classic winner Arcangues. Her dam Angelita (Alzao) never ran but was entered in the Poule d’Essai, the Saint-Alary and the Prix de Diane.

IN CROWD (c3), GB by Dubawi ex In Clover (Inchinor)

€27,000 Prix Juigné (Unraced 3-year-old colts & geldings, 2,100m/10.5f), April 18, Longchamp

• Owner: George Strawbridge (Prizemoney: €13,500 / UK-bred, no Owners' Premium)
• Trainer: Freddy Head
• Breeder: George Strawbridge (UK-bred, no Breeders' Premium)
• Rider: Vincent Cheminaud

Draw wide with the 10-slot, In Crowd (Dubawi) was, however, able to take the lead and control the race with easy fractions. According to the ParisLongchamp tracking system, the George Strawbridge homebred went at his pace until he was asked for more, 2 out, ending his trip with two one-furlong fractions of 11’’04 and 11’’46, overwhelming the favourite Future History (Showcasing), who had challenged him after an outside trip with no cover.

Brother to the very good You Are (Dansili), With You (Dansili) and Call the Wind (Frankel), In Crowd is not entered in any of the French classics so far. After him, his dam foaled an Invincible Spirit colt now in training with Freddy Head too.

In Crowd's 2nd dam Bellarida (Bellypha) won the Royaumont (Gr3) for her breeder, the Wertheimers, and was later sold £85,000 to George Strawbridge, who then bred In Clover (Inchinor), a Lieurey Mile (Gr3) winner, also placed in Group company over an extended 10 furlong-trip.

MILLAU (g3), FRA by Wootton Bassett ex Sage Melody (Sageburg)

Prix Phebe (Unraced 3-year-olds, 1,400m/7f), April 14, Saint-Cloud

• Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Thani (Prizemoney: €13,500 / French-bred 3yo: 90% provision on 60% Owners' Premium: €7,290 = €20,790)
• Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
• Breeder: Al Shahania Stud (French-bred, French sire: 13% Breeder's Premium on prizemoney + owner's premium = €2,702)
• Rider: Hugo Journiac

Not much hassle for the favourite Millau (Wootton Bassett) who led the whole way on. a soft ground with a wide rail. Bred by Al Shahania Stud, he was gelded late last year and kept almost a length over the Wertheimers' own Sparklia (Darek Angel) and Pinwheel (Exceed and Excel), who never really challenged him. Jojogo (Goken) finished well in 4th, only a head short of a spot on the podium.

Millau's dam Sage Melody (Sageburg) was sold in December 2019 at Deauville, in foal to Le Havre, for €90,000 to Chantilly Bloodstock Agency (Gérard Larrieu). winner and placed in the Prix du Bois (Gr3) at 2, dam of a Listed-placed individual, her 2nd dam is the good mare Marie de Ken (Kendor), owned by Adolf Bader. The Le Havre colt was born, bred by Rashit Shaykhutdinov.

HAVE A GOOD DAY (f2), IRE by Adaay ex Black Meyeden (Black Minnaloushe)

Prix du Premier Pas (Unraced 2-year-olds, 1,000m/5f), April 13, Chantilly

• Owner: Theresa Marnane (Prizemoney: €13,500 / Irish-bred, no Owners' Premium)
• Trainer: Florian Guyader
• Breeder: Michael Phelan (Irish-bred, no Breeders' Premium)
• Rider: Hugo Journiac

After a good start despite his 9-draw, Have A Good Day (Asaay) went alongside the leader Dream Love (Dream Ahead) while his stablemate Aint Misbehaving (Coati Glory) came by the stands' rail. One out, those two took over the leader and soon enough, Have a Good Day was on her own, beating Aint Misbehaving by 2.5 lengths. Still green, Lining Up (Dawn Approach) finished well third at over two lengths, beating Dream Love.

Have a Good Day was bred in Ireland. She was withdrawn at Goffs in November. Her Gustav Klimt brother, however, was sold there for €10,000 as a weanling.

ABFAB (f3), IRE by Siyouni ex Edith Wharton (Dubawi)

Prix de Gruchy (Maiden 3-year-olds, 1,400m/7f), April 8, Deauville

• Owner: White Birch Farm (Prizemoney: €13,500 / Irish-bred, no Owners' Premium)
• Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget
• Breeder: White Birch Farm (Irish-bred, no Breeders' Premium)
• Rider: Cristian Demuro

Fourth for her debut in August at Deauville, on the all-weather, then 4th again for her seasonal come back on the same course and 6.5f distance, Abfab (Siyouni) opened her account thanks to a 2 furlong-dash in the middle of the straight course. She was hence able to get the best of the brave front-runner The Promise (Siyouni), also a beginner, and who had held off every other challenge, including the one from Denia (Camelot), who'd trailed her since the start by the stands' side.

Abfab was bred by her owner, Peter Brant. He bought her dam, the unraced Edith Wharton (Dubawi) in Ireland in February 2017. This 3-year-old filly was out of the triple Gr1 winner Islington (Sadler’s Wells) but was sold for € 200,000. Brant immediately sent her to Normandy to meet Siyouni, and Abfab was born eleven months later, on February 5th -meaning her dam didn't fool around between Goffs and Bonneval Stud in Normandy!

Then, she went to Frankel and was sold, in foal to the great miler, in December 2018, for £450,000, to Katsumi Yoshida.

Et voilà!

AZURÉEN (g3), FRA by Siyouni ex Azalée (Peintre Célèbre)

€27,000 Prix de Saint-Gatien (Maiden 3-year-olds, 2,500m/12.5f), April 7, Deauville

• Owners: Gérard Augustin-Normand, Stéphane Cérulis & François Le Corno (Prizemoney: €13,500 / French-bred 3yo: 90% provision on 60% Owners' Premium: €7,290 = €20,790)
• Trainer: Stéphane Cérulis
• Breeders: Haras de Beauvoir, Fatou Michenot, Charlotte Demailly & Thomas Michenot (French-bred, French sire: 13% Breeder's Premium on prizemoney + owner's premium = €2,702)
• Rider: Pierre-Charles Boudot

Many candidates in this beginners' race over an extended 1m4f, potential stayers, and a gelded winner -four of them were competing amongst the 17 runners. Azuréen (Siyouni) followed the leading group and ran away early in the straight to hold off in extremist a well-finishing Alter Adler (Adlerflug), and who maybe would have won if he weren't that green.

The winner was sold for € 65,000 at the Deauville sales, privately. His Lawman brother was sold €18,000 last September. Their Turtle Bowl sister, Azaelia, was 4th in the Prix de Diane (Gr1). Their dam Azalée (Peintre Célèbre) was bred by the Wildenstein family, whose 2nd dam is Action Française (Nureyev), herself born out of the great Allez France.

MARTIAL EAGLE (c3), IRE by Adlerflug ex Montezuma (Monsun)

€27,000 Prix Amour Drake (Maiden 3-year-old colts & geldings, 2,400m/1m4f), April 6, Saint-Cloud

• Owner: Gestüt Schlenderhan (Prizemoney: €13,500 / Irish-bred, no Owners' Premium)
• Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
• Breeder: Stall Ullmann (Irish-bred, no Breeders' Premium)
• Rider: Pierre-Charles Boudot

Overwhelming domination of Martial Eagle (Adlerflug) in this 12-furlong maiden run by seven runners, including two geldings, on the day his sire Adlerflug's death is announced. Second for his debut last year on this course, but over 109 furlongs, Martial Eagle finished 3rd for his comeback 25 days before that impressive return. He's in the Prix du Jockey Club (Gr1), but after this show on the classic distance, his entry in the Grand Prix de Paris (Gr1) looks more up to date.

The winner's dam, the unraced Montezuma (Monsun), is also dam of Moonshiner (Adlerflug), a Prix de Lutèce (Gr3) winner and a top stayer altogether in France and Germany. After Martial Eagle, she also gave a filly by Australia.

WILDFEDER (f3), GB by Galileo ex Waldlerche (Monsun)

€ 27,000 Prix Sicarelle (Maiden 3-year-old fillies, 2,400m/1m4f), April 6, Saint-Cloud

• Owners: Newsells Park Stud, Gestüt Ammerland, Michael Tabor, Sue Magnier (Prizemoney: €13,500 / UK-bred, no Owners' Premium)
• Trainer: André Fabre
• Breeder: Newsells Park Stud & Gestüt Ammerland (UK-bred, no Breeders' Premium)
• Rider: Pierre-Charles Boudot

Fifth for her debut four weeks earlier, over Chantilly's all-weather track and the nine-furlong trip, Wildfeder (Galileo), a full sister to Arc-winner Waldgeist (Galileo), was much stronger this time. She passed Affaire de Cœur (Doctor Dino), who finished in front of her at Chantilly Chantilly, and Kimina (Goken), who took the lead at half stretch, in a long, consistent and decisive effort. A potential foal sharing product once again, the winner scored by over a length.

Wildfeder, sixth and last to date foal out of Waldlerche (Monsun), is in the Saxon Warrior Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary (Gr1).

EXCITING (c3), FRA by Exopshere ex Pietra Santa (Acclamation)

€ 27,000 Prix Pas de Deux (Unraced 3-year-old colts & geldings, 1,600m/1m), April 6, Saint-Cloud

• Owners: Woodpark Bloodstock & David Smaga (Prizemoney: €13,500 / French-bred 3yo: 90% provision on 60% Owners' Premium: €7,290 = €20,790)
• Trainer: David Smaga
• Breeder: Aleyrion Bloodstock (French-bred, French sire: 13% Breeder's Premium on prizemoney + owner's premium, +50% as black-type dam & sire in France for 5yrs max = €4,054)
• Rider: Cristian Demuro

A brief snowstorm welcomed the race's seven runners on their way to the post. The latest stages of the race were quite heated as the favourite Miyaz (Siyouni), who had been supplemented in the race, seemed to take over the front-running Exciting (Exosphere) until the latter fought back to finally prevail by a neck but convincingly. The first six home finished within 4 lengths and some should be monitored next time out, including a pleasing Friendly Face (Galileo), trained by Andre Fabre for Michael Tabor

Exciting is out of Pietra Santa (Acclamation), a Listed winner over 7 furlongs for trainer Jean-Marie Béguigné. She gave two winners before Exciting and was exported to Danemark after Exciting's birth. No classic entry for the winner, who belongs to the family of Trillion, Triptych & Trève...

WENSLEYDALE (f3), GB by Frankel ex Divine (Dark Angel)

€ 27,000 Prix Parade d’Amour (Unarced 3-year-old fillies, 1,600m/1m), April 6, Saint-Cloud

• Owner: Succession Khalid Abdullah  (Prizemoney: €13,500 / UK-bred, no Owners' Premium)
• Trainer: Henri-François Devin
• Breeders: Mohamed Alqatami, Khalid Al Mudal & Juddmonte Farms Irlande (UK-bred, no Breeders' Premium)
• Rider: Pierre-Charles Boudot

Easy win of Wensleydale (Frankel) in a promising race with files out of Trève and Goldikova, and a Godolphin favourite. The winner started well despite her 10-draw and came by without haste to settle in 5th. She accelerated about three hundred yards out as Paris (Shalaa & Trève), and Galaway (Galiway) were competing for the lead. Trained by Henri-François Devin, Wensleydale won by 2 lengths, beating Takemebythehand (The Gurkha), who came from the rear, and a pleasing Goldistyle (Dubawi & Goldikova). The 4th-placed Rânes (Vadamos) did not have the best trip, and the favourite Pennybaker (Medaglia d’Oro) finished OK for Godolphin.

Wensleydale was purchased for £ 700,000 at Tattersalls, to conclude a potential foal sharing between her dam's owners, Mohamed Alqatami & Khalid Al Mudal, and Frankel's owner, Khalid Abdullah. Her full brother was sold in December also at Tattersalls, but for a mere £ 260,000.

No classic entry received for Wensleydale.

ADHAFERA (f3), (IRE) by Sea the Stars ex Rusty Slipper (Lemon Drop Kid)

€ 27,000 Prix de Brunehaut (Maiden 3-year-old fillies, 2,000m/1m2f), April 5, Chantilly

• Owners: Ralphy Meahjohn & Écurie des Monceaux (Prizemoney: €13,500 / Irish-born, French-bred 3yo: 90% provision on 60% Owners' Premium: €7,290 = €20,790)
• Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget
• Breeder: Ralphy Meahjohn (Irish born, French-bred, Foreign sire: 8.5% Breeder's Premium on prizemoney + owner's premium = €1,767)
• Rider: Cristian Demuro

Adhafera (Sea the Stars) didn't have to do much to find herself leading the field despite her 10-draw since no other runner disputed that lead. She had finished well for her debut over the All-weather but this time, she was the one who held off every challenge, pretty easily, as the favourite Romantic Rival (Shamardal), who had pulled a bit early on before settling behind the leader. She nevertheless ended in 2nd place, beaten a good 1.5 length.

Consigned at the Deauville sales by Écurie des Monceaux and sold to Meridian International for €220,000, Adhafera yet still race for her breeder and the Monceaux. Her dam Rusty Slipper (Lemon Drop Kid) was listed three times at the Keeneland sales in the USA, but was eventually unsold once, and withdrawn twice. She won at Gr3 level Stateside and hails from a live family out there. Her preceding foal, Dune of Pilat (Medaglia d’Oro), went back to the USA after two all-weather wins in UK and Ireland.

Adhafera is in the Saxon Warrior Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary (Gr1) and Prix de Diane Longines (Gr1).

BARATTI (c3), GB by Frankel ex Binche (Woodman)

€ 27,000 Prix du Pont du Roi (Maiden 3-year-old colts & geldings, 2,000m/1m2f), April 5, Chantilly

• Owner: Succession Khalid Abdullah (Prizemoney: €13,500 / UK-bred, no Owners' Premium)
• Trainer: André Fabre
• Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Ireland (UK-bred, no Breeders' Premium)
• Rider: Pierre-Charles Boudot

A beginner in this maiden, Baratti (Frankel) looked outpaced for a while and rider Pierre-Charles Boudot started to push him at the halfway stage, yet he accelerated instantly when he found his way, 300 yards out or so, to win in a few strides, his saddle having slipped, besides. Coming from the rear for his second race, Cosmas (Soldier Hollow) finished well in second at ¾ of a length.

Baratti is very well-bred as he's a brother to Proviso (Dansili), Byword (Peintre Célèbre) and Finche (Frankel), all Group winners, Group1 winners even for the two first mentioned. He's the last foal recorded out of Binche (Woodman), who ran twice without winning when trained by John Gosden.

Baratti is in the Prix du Jockey Club (Gr1) and the Grand Prix de Paris (Gr1).

PORTICELLO (g3), FRA by Sholokhov ex Chinawood (Chichicastenango)

€52,000 Prix Grandak (3-year-old colts & geldings unraced over obstacles, 3,000m/1m7f, Hurdle Race), April 4, Auteuil

• Owners: Écurie Zingaro, Helivet, Jean-Pierre Dubois, David Cottin, Écurie de Roebeck & Marine Pineda (Prizemoney : €24,960, No Owners' Premiums over jumps)
• Trainer: David Cottin
• Breeder: Haras de la Croix Sonnet, Sandra & Hubert Hosselet (French-bred, 14.5% Breeders' Premium + 1.5% for 3-year-olds races: €3,993)
• Rider: Felix de Giles

The Grandak's colts took about the same time as the fillies in the Geographie, and two horses saddled by David Cottin took the two first places, this time. Always well placed behind the leading group, Porticello (Sholokhov) finally left the front-running Magistrato (Kapgarde) at three lengths, while three other lengths behind, Imprenable (Chœur du Nord) was taking an eye-catching third place on the wire.

Porticello is the 4th foal and the first winner out of Chinawood (Chichicastenango), a maiden mare who finished her 7-races-long show on the road with 3 "pulled-up" tags. She is, however, a sister to the good hurdler Worldbest (Muhtathir), which probably gives weights to the €20,000 Broadhurst Agency (Laurent Benoît) gave for Porticello at Deauville. More recently, a sister to Porticello by Doctor Dino was unsold at €11,000 at the Arqana Breeding Sale.

LES YEUX VERT (f3), FRA by Martaline ex Fleurs des Yeux (Poliglote)

€52,000 Prix Géographie (3-year-old fillies unraced over obstacles, 3,000m/1m7f, Hurdle Race), April 4, Auteuil

• Owner: Mme Patrick Papot (Prizemoney : €24,960, No Owners' Premiums over jumps)
• Trainer: François Nicolle
• Breeder: Mme Patrick Papot (French-bred, 14.5% Breeders' Premium + 1.5% for 3-year-olds races: €3,993)
• Rider: Gaëtan Masure

Completely unraced, like 10 of the 11 other runners, Les Yeux Vert (Martaline) finished better than anyone on the stands' side and beat by two lengths the favourite It’s Easy (Kapgarde), who had finally taken over the front-running Ma Beauté (Montmartre), only beaten a neck, though.

Trained by François Nicolle for the Papot family, who also bred the filly, Les Yeux Vert is the 2nd foal out of Fleurs des Yeux (Poliglote), second inthis very race back in 2015 for trainer Emmanuel Clayeux and the same owners.

The mare also gave a Turgeon colt in 2019 and a Saint des Saints filly last year. Fleurs des Yeux is out of Une Sainte (Ungaro), a sister to the good hurdler Dos Santos (Smadoun), and the second dam of Saint Xavier (Saint des Saints), a winner of the valuable Montgomery Handicap Chase (Gr3).

WOOTURN (f3), FRA by Wootton Bassett ex Turning for Home (Spinning World)

€27,000 Prix Basse Pointe (Maiden 3-year-old fillies, 1,600m/1m), April 3, Saint-Cloud

• Owner: Derek Clee (Prizemoney: €13,500 / French-bred 3yo: 90% provision on 60% Owners' Premium: €7,290 = €20,790)
• Trainer: Henri-Alex Pantall
• Breeder: Derek Clee (French-bred, Foreign sire: 8.5% Breeder's Premium on prizemoney + owner's premium = €1,767)
• Rider: Julien Guillochon

Second for her debut on Deauville's all-weather in early March, beating amongst others Pamouschana (Showcasing), who had already had a run, Wooturn (Wootton Bassett) did not wait long for her first win, first time out on the turf. She started at her own pace, came by along the rail and was able to join the collective struggle without any hiccup, finally resisting the late effort from ... Pamouschana, who was only beaten a short head, never giving the impression that she would be able to catch the winner. The beginner Akua Bella (Lope de Vega) finished strong at a mere head.

Wooturn was bred in Normandy by her owner, Derek Clee, who also raced her dam Turning For Home (Spinning World). Also trained by Henri-Alex Pantall, she won twice at 3, including in a Listed mile in Germany. One of her daughters was sold  €13 000 at the Arqana February sale, in foal to Ruler of the World.

CANTOS (g3), FRA by Dabirsim ex Candidata (Kendor)

€27,000 Prix Brûleur (Maiden 3-year-old colts & geldings, 1,600m/1m), April 3, Saint-Cloud

• Owner: Écurie Normandie Pur-Sang (Prizemoney: €13,500 / French-bred 3yo: 90% provision on 60% Owners' Premium: €7,290 = €20,790)
• Trainer: Marian-Falk Weissmeier
• Breeder: Écurie Normandie Pur-Sang (French-bred, French sire: 13% Breeder's Premium on prizemoney + owner's premium = €2,702)
• Rider: Théo Bachelot

One of the two beginners here, the recently gelded Cantos (Dabirsim) took advantage of a fast course that favoured the front-runners and held off every challenge to win pretty easily in the end. He beats Evander (Intello), who followed him by the rail, by 2 lengths while Western Soldier (Soldier Hollow) kept on going to get the 3rd place without seeming to be quite comfortable in between horses. Nice finish to be noted from Innovator (Showcasing), who hadn't had a run for almost 200 days.

Cantos was unsold at €14,000 at the Deauville yearlings sale. He's out of a full sister to the Champion Stakes winner Literato, had his second dam is La Cibeles (Cardoun), whose career took her on both sides of the Pyrénées and the Bidassoa, and who gave her best twice at Toulouse when 3rd in both the Prix Caravelle (L) and Fille de l’Air (Gr3). Cantos is the last registered foal out of Candidata (Kendor).

DIABLOTINE (f2), (IRE) by Kodi Bear ex Fridoline (Septième Ciel)

€27,000 Prix du Début (Unraced 2-year-olds, 1,000m/5f), April 1st, Chantilly

• Owners: Delphine Garcia-Dubois, Louis-Armand Jolly, Aymard de Nicolay, Astrid Duval (Prizemoney: €13,500 / Irish-born, French-bred 3yo: 90% provision on 70% Owners' Premium: €8,505 = €22,005)
• Trainer: Hugues de Nicolay
• Breeder: Gestüt Zur Kuste (Irish-born, French-bred, Foreign sire: 8.5% Breeder's Premium on prizemoney + owner's premium = €1,870)
• Rider: Aude Duporté

An easy win for Diablotine (Kodi Bear) in this Prix du Début, the first race for 2-year-old at Chantilly that she won by ni less than 5 lengths. fast ahead, she looked outpaced 2 out by Miramar (Profitable), the other leader in her inside, and Smart and Fast (Dabirsim), she veered left then and took off: the race was soon over. Miramar stayed on in 2nd, 2.54 lengths ahead of Smart and Fast.

Sold € 18,000 at the Deauville yearlings sales by her co-owner Delphine Garcia-Dubois, Diablotine was born in Ireland but bred in France. She was consigned at Deauville by Haras d’Ellon (Thierry de la Heronnière). She's the 6th foal out of Fridoline (Septième Ciel), and the last so far. Before her, that winner of one race gave Flambysister (Stormy River), winner at 2 and twice a Listed-4th. She also won at 3. She's related to the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (Gr1) winner Wooded.