3 June 2018
Photo scoopdyga.com
The race
Waldgeist proved a cut above his rivals in the Grand Prix de Chantilly (Groupe 2). Always prominent, he cruised into the lead in the final 400-metres before showing his rivals a clean pair of heels. The German raider Dschingis Secret just held second after turning back the superb effort Way to Paris who finished strongly after languishing at the back of the field. The favoured Cloth Of Stars, racing in a hood for the first time, was unable to pick-up.
Waldgeist was coming off a win in the Prix d’Hédouville (Groupe 3) in which he beat Way to Paris. The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Group 1) on July 1 looks the logical next step. The Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe may also be on the agenda on the autumn.
How they fared
- 1st - Waldgeist: Smarty into his stride, he kept the leaders in his sights before quickening clear in the final 300-metres under a hands and heels ride. Easily.
- 2nd - Dschingis Secret: After sitting in third in the rail, he was pulled out for his effort going to the final 300-metres, and ran on well after repelling Way To Paris for second.
- 3rd - Way to Paris: Settled at the back of the field, he had plenty to do on hitting the straight before running-on with great gusto to take third on the wide outside.
- 4th - Rare Rhythm: Set a regular tempo and kept on well for fourth.
- 5th - Finche: Kept tabs on the leader Rare Rhythm by sitting on his tail and weakened after being in the thick of it.
- 6th - Cloth of Stars: Missed the break and made progress to take closer order going to the final bend after initially bringing up the rear. He didn’t have the clearest of runs in the straight, but lacked the required energy levels to get involved at the business end.
- 7th - Tiberian: Sat close to Waldgeist before Dschingis Secret pronounced his effort close by to him – 300 metres from the post. Never dangerous after that.
Quotes
Pierre-Charles Boudot (jockey of Waldgeist – 1st)
"It’s great (effort) and his previous race was similarly very good. He has strengthened from three to four and is a better horse this year. He manages to sustain his effort to the very end which wasn’t always the case last season. The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud would seem a logical target for him. I hope he maintains this level of form.”
Dietrich Von Botticher (the owner of Waldgeist, 1st)
"Certain colts are just like men: they need time to mature and it’s the case with him. Today, the confidence levels of both horse and rider were such that it made for a winning team. I have an idea of where we want to race him next, but I don’t wish to elaborate as it’s unlucky (laughing).”
Martin Seidl (jockey of Dschingis Secret, 2nd)
"We almost had the perfect race. I thought that a win might be on the cards in mid-stretch but the winner was simply too strong. He proved today that he is a group one class performer."
Andrea Marcialis (the trainer of Way to Paris, 3rd)
"He ran very well considering how the race developed, having found himself tailed off last at the start. He’s a super horse who wasn’t in his element today as he prefers soft, or even heavy, tracks. I am going to give him a two month break with a view to returning in the Qatar Prix Foy en route to the Arc de Triomphe.”