Tarragon : Silva is back

The Prix Bertrand de Tarragon (Gr3), a fillies and mares race over 1,600the mile, was dominated from pillar to post by Silva (Kodiac), Saturday at ParisLongchamp. Homebred by Zalim Bifov, the Irish-bred easily won the UAE One Thousand Guineas (L) last Winter, but then failed in the local Oaks. Out from February to May, she made came back in the French One Thousand Guineas (Gr1), finishing last, then came back after another three months lay off, last August in Deauville, with a fourth place in a hot renewal of the Arqana Prix Lieurey (Gr3). She did better here by accelerating 300 yards from home to leave her foes trailing at two lengths, English raider and favourite Duneflower (Dubawi) running second for Haya of Jordan. Spirit of Nelson (Mount Nelson) never gave in and finished a good third. The first three had the best 105lbs rating before the race, but the first two home valued their weight for age allowance.

Silva is a sister to Fas (Fastnet Rock), who briefly looked like a sprint prodigy at the start of the 2017 season but failed to return to his best level after a long leave. Second in the Prix des Rêves d'Or (L), Sotka (Dutch Art), Silva's dam, is herself a sister to champion sprinter Sole Power (Kyllachy), five times a Group 1 winner in England and Dubai, also third in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (Gr1).

A 2yo No Nay Never filly named Zaur's Heart, declared in training with Pia Brandt, a colt by Kingman and another one by Lope de Vega born this year are to follow ...