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Sunday 4th July 2010, Chantilly. (www.jourdegalop.com) “Always the bridesmaid and never the bride”, was how Richard Hannon had previously described Dick Turpin (Arakan), but his charge finally turned his luck around in the €400,000 Prix Jean Prat (Gr1-3yo Colts and Fillies-1,600m) at Chantilly on Sunday. The colt was by far superior to his rivals Siyouni (Pivotal), eventual second, Xtension (Xaar) and Hearts of Fire (Firebreak), third and fourth respectively, when winning his first Group 1. Poule d'Essai des Poulains (Gr1) and Prix de Jockey Club (Gr1) winner Lope de Vega (Shamardal) was very disappointing when finishing eighth and last. His performance was too bad to be real for a colt who is considered one of the stars of 2010. Shortly after the race Crispin de Moubray, who manages the interests of owner/breeders Gestüt Ammerland, explained: “Lope de Vega came back ok. He has no obvious problem. I think he was just off form today, it happens sometimes and does not take away from his ability and talent.” Dick Turpin was the fairytale and deserving winner of this race having finished second in the English and Irish Guineas and then second again in the St. James’s Palace Stakes (Gr1). He should now go for the Sussex Stakes (Gr1, 28/07, 1,600m, at Goodwood) and then maybe for the Prix du Moulin or the Prix de la Forêt at Longchamp, as mentioned by owner John Manley.
Merrily, the dam of Dick Turpin, remained a maiden from 12 starts. Apart from Dick Turpin, she has produced four other winners, none at top level. Merrily is a sister of Deep Finesse, who won the Prix du Bois (Gr3) in 1996 from Nombre Premier.
Bois – Keratiya waits for right moment
The winner of this year’s €80,000 Prix du Bois (Gr3-2yos-1,000m), Keratiya (Iron Mask), may not have the same class as previous winners Natagora, Divine Proportions and Arazi, but there is no doubt that she has a lot of speed. Keratiya produced her effort at the last minute to finish fast and snatch the win from Irish Field (Dubawi) on the line. Jean-Claude Rouget was once again in the winners enclosure as he trains this filly for the Aga Khan: “She is a filly with an impressive but short burst of speed. Christophe (Lemaire, her jockey) rode her perfectly in waiting until the last second. The Robert Papin will come too quickly for her so she will wait for the Prix Morny (Gr1) in Deauville.”
Lone Cat (One Cool Cat) took her time to find a gap and finished third “She ran well today as she is not a big filly”, declared Yves de Nicolay, “I would prefer to run her in the Prix de la Vallée d'Auge (L) as I have a better filly for the Prix Robert Papin (Gr2).” He was no doubt talking about Split Trois (Dubawi) who won the Prix de Sylvie on her first start.
Bred by the Aga Khan Studs, Keratiya is a daughter of Kerasha (Daylami) who is also the dam of Kermiyan (Green Desert), second in the Critérium de l'Ouest (L) as a 2 year old.
Chloe – Another step for Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley (Galileo) took another step up the ladder when winning the €80,000 Prix Chloé (Gr3-3yo Fillies-1,800m). Afterwards winning trainer Jean-Claude Rouget commented; “She has always shown ability. She is by Galileo and is no doubt a bit backward. Before I decide where she will go next I will have to talk to Christophe (Soumillon, her jockey) to decide what trip to run her over.”
Winner of the Prix Georges Trabaud (L), Fadela Style (Desert Style) was having her first start in Paris and was a decent second place one and a half lengths behind Lily of the Valley. Mahamaya (Seattle Dancer) was a further two lengths behind in third place.
Bred by Dunmore Stud Ltd, Lily of the Valley is a sister of Calbuco (Kendor), winner of the Prix Cor de Chasse and Servanne (Listeds) over 1,100m and 1,200m respectively. Cerences a 2 year old colt by Oratorio, the younger brother of Lily of the Valley, is also in training with Jean-Claude Rouget.
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