Equinox, who also stood atop of the Leading Male 3yo/up category, also garnered the Champion Of The Rest Of The World award, ahead of Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), who equalled his highest ever rating (129) with a score in this month's G1 Hong Kong Mile, and GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Cody's Wish (Curlin) (129), who finished as joint runners up.

Leading the fray in other divisions:

• G1 Dewhurst S. victor City Of Troy (Justify) earned a 125 rating thus securing the Leading 2YO award.
• Ace Impact (133) was crowned Champion Of Europe ahead of Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) (131) and Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) (130)
• Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) (126) led her John and Thady Gosden-trained stablemate Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) (125) in the Female 3yo+ Category

Timeform's Leading First-season Sire of 2023–based on an average Timeform master rating of a sire's top 10 progeny in Britain and Ireland–was Too Darn Hot (GB) Dubawi {Ire}) (99), who claimed top honours ahead of Blue Point (Ire) Shamardal) (96) in second place, while Calyx (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Ten Sovereigns (Ire) (No Nay Never) tied for third place (93).

The race of 2023 was determined based on an average Timeform master rating of the first three horses. Longchamp's Arc came out on top with the first three finishers–Ace Impact, Westover and Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB})–earning the race an average rating of 130, 1 lb higher than Kyoto's G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, which finished joint-second.

For the complete results of the Timeform Awards, click here.

The post Equinox Earns HOTY Honours at Inaugural Timeform Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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“C'est enorme,” uttered an emotional Jean-Claude Rouget after watching his unbeaten star rattle home past most of his rivals under a supremely confident Cristian Demuro in the home straight and dominate the final furlong. At the line, there was 1 3/4 lengths between the 19-10 favourite and Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who held on by a short head from Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) to make Cracksman's sire the King of the Arc as he was 12 months ago.

Here was a genuine throwback Arc winner, a proper one who was also remarkably the first French-trained 3-year-old colt to win since Rail Link (GB) in 2006. The previous 15 years before that had witnessed the crack colts Suave Dancer, Helissio (Fr), Peintre Celebre, Montjeu (Ire) and Dalakhani (Ire) completing the 12-furlong Jockey-Club-Arc double and Ace Impact slots right into that company. His Chantilly performance was sensational, running the final three furlongs in an outstanding :34.01 and this was comparable, flying home in :33.06.

“We always say they are the best when they win, but I think what sets him apart is his strong acceleration. It is something I have never seen,” his trainer said. “He's an extraordinary horse, a crack. He's left us speechless. He had a very clean race and his stride-devouring action did the rest. The big winner today is a man that dares, Kamel Chehboub, who bought half of Ace Impact even though he doesn't have a Classic pedigree, as well as Horizon Dore so he now has the two best 3-year-old colts in France! I don't know if he will go straight to the stud or run next year. It will be decided between the two owners and me, but I don't know yet.”

Masterfully prepared by Rouget, who avoided the temptation to go the Almanzor route via the Irish Champion and who instead fed the flame with more straightforward task-setting in the G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano, Ace Impact has endured a steep climb to the summit having only begun his career at Cagnes-sur-Mer in January while these rivals were in steady winter work.

His Arc tour de force was completed over 10 seconds faster than that of Alpinista (GB) 12 months ago, which truly demonstrates the extremities of ground we are dealing with from 2022 to 2023. The only complaint can be that this renewal was missing Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), who would have both relished the freak conditions which led to the fastest Longchamp Arc time since Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}) in 2011 and fourth-fastest in history behind her, Peintre Celebre and Bago (Fr) (Nashwan).

This was a no-drama, no-excuses renewal that was run at a fair if not exacting pace, with the German colt Mr Hollywood (Ire) (Iquitos {Ger}) carving it out in front of the free-running Bay Bridge (GB) (New Bay {GB}) before Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) emerged to keep the leader honest. Demuro was in no hurry, with last year's G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Onesto tracking his every move at the tail of the field with the Japanese mare Through Seven Seas (Jpn) (Dream Journey {Jpn}) also with the anchor firmly down.

Straightening for home, the runners panned out perfectly across the track so that there was ample room for all the main contenders and Westover was the first to strike as he mastered his King George conqueror at the 300-metre marker. For his connections, any excitement was all too brief as the orange silks emerged a few lanes out wide and within a few split seconds this GI Breeders' Cup Turf qualifier was decided.

This represented a welcome return to form for TDN Rising Star Onesto following his Irish Champion S. flop, shadowing Ace Impact all the way to the line to record an identical closing three-furlong time as the winner. The Fabrice Chappet-trained 4-year-old also closed out the Arc with the fastest final-furlong split of all the runners, finishing with a rapid :10.99. Through Seven Seas and the G1 St Leger hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) closed together to the line, emerging from the pack almost in unison as a celebration of their Japanese heritage.

Ralph Beckett said of Westover, who was second-best yet again as he had been in the Dubai Sheema Classic, Coronation Cup and King George. “What a run, I'm delighted. At the top of the straight I thought we were in business, but there was just one better. He's gone and done it again, which is terrific for everyone. I'm so proud of him. I always fancied the Breeders' Cup Turf for him, because he's a horse who enjoys his time away, as we saw in Dubai. The Breeders' Cup Turf is shaping up to be the best ever isn't it? But that's life and I think we will probably go.”

Fabrice Chappet's Onesto is Breeders' Cup Turf-bound also. “I did say that his last outing in the Irish Champion S. didn't count,” he said. “Apart from that, Onesto has always run up to his best without necessarily having a happy time of it on each occasion. Today, he found himself a long way back but he had a good race in the slipstream of the winner. Unfortunately, older horses who carry three kilos more than the three-year-olds don't go as fast. It would be logical to head to the Breeders' Cup.”

Tomohito Ozeki said of Through Seven Seas, “It was a sprint in the straight, but I am pleased at the way she finished. We don't know whether she will run again. It depends how she is because the Arc is such a great challenge for a horse.”

Aidan O'Brien also suggested that the early pace was not in Continuous's favour. “We're very happy. We made the decision to take our time and let him relax,” he said. “They sprinted the last two furlongs, but he wasn't finished and ran all the way to the line. He looks like he wants a strongly run mile-and-a-half so obviously we can look at Japan, Hong Kong, America and Dubai. He's a very legitimate horse and a ready-made 4-year-old. He loves travelling and the best is yet to come.”

Pedigree Notes

Born in Ireland but bred in France by Waltraut Spanner, Ace Impact who hails from the first crop of Cracksman was purchased for €75,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Sale where he was consigned by Elise Drouet's Domaine de l'Etang. The dam Absolutly Me, who was twice listed-placed, has also produced the useful Alessandro (Fr) (Australia {GB}) and Apollo Flight (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) who also achieved placings at that level.

The third dam Barakat (GB) (Bustino {GB}), a half-sister to the four-times Group 1-winning Ibn Bey (GB) (Mill Reef) and the G1 Yorkshire Oaks heroine Roseate Tern (GB) (Blakeney {GB}), was responsible for the stakes winner and GII Santa Barbara runner-up Mabadi (Sahm) who in turn produced the dual listed winner and dual group-placed Salai (Fr) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) to her credit. This is also the family of the talented Red Camellia (GB) (Polar Falcon) who was third in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches before producing the G1 Fillies' Mile heroine Red Bloom (GB) (Selkirk). Absolutly Me's unraced 2-year-old colt by Gleneagles (Ire) is named Arrow Eagle (Fr). He is in training with Jean-Claude Rouget under the colours of Waltraut Spanner.

LE SACRE D'ACE IMPACT DANS LE QATAR PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE !

Le pensionnaire de Jean-Claude Rouget, représentant de Serge Stempniak, reste invaincu en six sorties, quelle impression !

2 ème Arc pour Jean-Claude Rouget !

Westover
Onesto pic.twitter.com/UMUAJtpbb2

— Equidia (@equidia) October 1, 2023

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France
QATAR PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE-G1, €5,000,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-1, 3yo/up, c/f, 12fT, 2:25.50, g/s.
1–ACE IMPACT (IRE), 125, c, 3, by Cracksman (GB)
1st Dam: Absolutly Me (Fr) (SP-Fr & Ger), by Anabaa Blue (GB)
2nd Dam: Tadawul, by Diesis (GB)
3rd Dam: Barakat (GB), by Bustino (GB)
(€75,000 Ylg '21 ARQAUG). O-Ecuries Serge Stempniak & Gousserie Racing; B-Mme Waltraut Spanner (IRE); T-Jean-Claude Rouget; J-Cristian Demuro. €2,857,000. Lifetime Record: 6-6-0-0, €3,996,100. *1/2 to Apollo Flight (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), MSP-Fr, $139,492; and Alessandro (Fr) (Australia {GB}), SP-Fr, $111,837. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Westover (GB), 131, c, 4, Frankel (GB)–Mirabilis, by Lear Fan. O-Juddmonte; B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-Ralph Beckett. €1,143,000.
3–Onesto (Ire), 131, c, 4, Frankel (GB)–Onshore (GB), by Sea The Stars (Ire). (185,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT; $535,000 2yo '21 OBSAPR). O-Gerard Augustin-Normand, Jean-Etienne Dubois, Ecurie Hunter Valley, Haras d'Etreham, Ecurie Billon, Ecurie Elag, Fabrice Chappet & Hubert Guy; B-Diamond Creek Farm (IRE); T-Fabrice Chappet. €571,500.
Margins: 1 3/4, SHD, 1 1/4. Odds: 1.90, 6.40, 55.00.
Also Ran: Through Seven Seas (Jpn), Continuous (Jpn), Bay Bridge (GB), Sisfahan (Fr), Feed The Flame (GB), Hukum (Ire), Simca Mille (Ire), Fantastic Moon (Ger), Place Du Carrousel (Ire), Free Wind (Ire), Haya Zark (Fr), Mr Hollywood (Ire). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

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Rouget is a veteran of keeping his head in such situations and he was typically steady in his pre-race assessment this week. “We're not going to do anything special,” he said. “He's quite calm in the morning and while it's true that in a race, like all good horses, he's more exuberant we shall just handle it as we always do. The track is going to be fast enough so everyone will be able to find a position and I'm not really worried that there isn't going to be any pace.”

“Ace Impact, given his stride devouring-action, should relish these conditions,” Rouget added. “We can't be absolutely certain that he'll stay the trip, but the manner in which he finishes his races allied to the fact that his sire had the required stamina lend me to feel fairly optimistic. The fact that he's discovering Longchamp for the first time isn't a worry, as the colt is a straightforward ride once he settles. The race holds no particular terrors! I'm just hoping for a race run at a proper gallop.”

The Flame Still Burns…

   In the days of the old 12-furlong Prix du Jockey Club, it was Pascal Bary who held sway with five winners but surprisingly none of them managed to provide him with the Arc victory he so covets. Surprisingly, his top-class 1998 Chantilly Classic hero Dream Well (Fr) (Sadler's Wells) cut no ice that year at Longchamp while his best Jockey Club hero  Sulamani (Ire) (Hernando {Fr}) beat High Chaparral (Ire) in the 2002 Arc but failed to get past Marienbard (Ire) (Caerleon). Perhaps the fairytale victory will come during his twilight via his longstanding supporter and friend Jean-Louis Bouchard's TDN Rising Star Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}). This lightly-raced and probably still-improving colt is tried and tested over the course and distance on similar ground and the manner of his G1 Grand Prix de Paris display lingers in the memory.

“He really likes Longchamp, because it's a track that allows him the time to produce his potential,” Bary reflected. “He's a horse that likes to take his time and at Longchamp he can do that because there's the long straight. He's a horse that can be a bit cold at the beginning of a race, but he develops throughout the race as he goes further and he showed in the Grand Prix de Paris that he accelerated really well in the final straight.”

“Having such a horse at the end of my career is something very fortunate,” the trainer added. “Jean-Louis Bouchard is very upbeat ahead of Sunday, we have a magnificent colt and are heading to the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with a chance. Obviously, we are heading there with a mix of pleasure and enthusiasm and if not this year, it will be next year! He will be an even better four-year-old.”

Japan's Long Wait To End?

Over the past two seasons, it is clear that Japan sits at the forefront of the international racing world and most would agree that it is only a matter of time before the country achieves the Arc glory it has strived for with such admirable determination and patience. While the 5-year-old mare Through Seven Seas (Jpn) (Dream Journey {Jpn}) seemed the unlikeliest of flagbearers for the nation when winning a Nakayama handicap in January, she has since used a win in the G3 Laurel R C Sho Nakayama Himba S. as a springboard to the big time.

That came when pushing the world's best Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) to a neck in Hanshin's G1 Takarazuka Kinen at a huge 55-1 and she has reportedly thrived since arriving in France. It is ironic that in a year when Equinox would have had his ideal ground to finally satiate Japan's hunger for his prize, his rider Christophe-Patrice Lemaire could still be in for the ultimate glory ride on what could be a supersub of supersubs.

Trainer Tomohito Ozeki is on the verge of history, notoriety and immortality and he knows it. “For any trainer, the Arc is a huge goal which seems somewhat removed, but it is now staring me right in the face,” he said. “Everything has gone well in her training. She has acclimatised really well to a new environment. Through Seven Seas has reached her optimum level as a five-year-old. In her younger days she showed a lot of temperament, ate little, was very thin and lacked strength. The mare was roughed off for the season after last August and she has strengthened up as a result. I believe in the mare.”

A Solid Cast…

Representing the brilliant-to-watch G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S., the race that Aidan O'Brien said was “turned into a St Leger”, are the respective monarchs of two of the most successful breeding and racing operations in the sport in Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}). While Hukum's illustrious brother Baaeed (GB) ended his career in anti-climax in the soft ground that blurred his brilliance, Shadwell's latest flame could have done with plenty of the rain that undermined his sibling in last year's G1 Champion S. Instead he has none and a very difficult wide draw, so perhaps his desire for attritional warfare will go unrequited.

Juddmonte's Westover was a respectable sixth in the sapping, deep going in this 12 months ago, but a quartet of big shows at the top level this term demonstrate what an expert job Ralph Beckett has done with a colt that could have gone the wrong way. While he has a far-from-straightforward number one draw, Rob Hornby may have in his mind what his mount did when ridden forward by Colin Keane on a sound surface in last year's G1 Irish Derby.

Just what the G1 St Leger hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) is capable of is a tantalising mystery and he thankfully continues the long mission to at last marry the dear old Doncaster Classic and this ultimate prize. Had the former Ballydoyle legend Alleged not encountered the rock-hard Royal filly Dunfermline (GB) in that Classic prior to winning his first Arc in 1977, this would have been a story long since concluded. However, the stark fact is that in the extensive interim period there have been many in the Continuous category who have looked as good as him coming here only to have failed by some margin.

Thankfully for Germany, their own search for an Arc winner is already a past success story and the country is now a regular and rightly-respected presence in the race. In the hero of the 154th G1 Deutsches Derby, Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), it has another contender along with that Classic's runner-up Mr Hollywood (Ire) (Iquitos {Ger}) who remains unexposed and potentially problematic for his adversaries. Fantastic Moon seemed to beat Feed The Flame fair and square in the course-and-distance G2 Prix Niel three weeks ago, while TDN Rising Star Mr Hollywood is not far off the standard of Westover based on his battle with the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud runner-up Zagrey (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) in the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden.

Then there is the spectre of the reigning G1 Champion S. hero Bay Bridge (GB) (New Bay {GB}), whose five-length dismissal of Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in Sandown's G3 Brigadier Gerard S. last May was a performance consistent with what is required to win one of these. Among those who rate as “outsiders”, Sir Michael Stoute's fully-mature charge is the stand-out during an era that is favouring experience over youthful zest.

Raiders Take Aim At Beauvatier In The Lagardere…

   Sunday's action at ParisLongchamp begins with an open-looking renewal of the G1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, in which Philippe Allaire and Haras d'Etreham's TDN Rising Star Beauvatier (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) puts his unbeaten record on the line against the usual collection of British and Irish challengers. Stall seven is no problem, but seven overseas peers in attendance could be as he bids to show he is more than just a very effective group 3 bully.

There is no arguing with his string of precision strikes, starting with the edging out of the high-class Ramatuelle (Justify) in a Saint-Cloud showdown in May followed by an upstaging of the subsequent G3 Prix des Chenes winner Zabiari (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in Deauville's Listed Prix Roland de Chambure in July. Even his defeat of Evade (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the course-and-distance G3 Prix la Rochette in early September stands up well, but the trouble for Yann Barberot and co. is that he has no direct line to the likes of fellow TDN Rising Star Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) from Ballydoyle or the still-exciting Hannon trainee Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}).

Where Rosallion is concerned, it is a question of whether the version that ran away with Ascot's Listed Pat Eddery S. turns up or the one that flopped in third in the G2 Champagne S. at Doncaster. Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's homebred grandson of his remarkable broodmare Reem Three (GB) (Mark Of Esteem {Ire}) has been done no favours drawn in 10 in a race where that really matters, so he will have to be every bit as good as he looked when dismissing the subsequent impressive winners Al Musmak (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Alyanaabi (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) on the King George card.

“It looks like it's going to be fast ground out there which will be much more to his liking,” Hannon said. “We were very disappointed at Doncaster and we hope he is going to show what he can really do. They went very slow at Doncaster and he just didn't look like the horse we saw at Ascot or we've seen at home, so hopefully we will see him in a much better light.”

One of the live outsiders is Wathnan Racing's unbeaten Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale S. scorer Native American (Ire) (Sioux Nation) from the Richard Fahey stable responsible for Wootton Bassett who captured this in 2010 and who is the sire of three runners in this renewal. “They would be similar horses and both undefeated going there,” the trainer said. “I think Wootton Bassett had won four before going there. He was slightly more experienced, but this horse will have improved a lot now. He's going to be a better three-year-old than two-year-old, but we've been really pleased with him since the Curragh.”

Another Turn-Up Due In The Marcel Boussac?

If there is one race on the Arc card that has proven difficult for favourites, it is the G1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac with no market leaders successful since Ballydoyle's Ballydoyle (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in 2015. Since then, there have been recorded returns of 8-1, 10-1, 25-1 and 28-1 which perhaps reflects the changing of the season and the flux in these juvenile fillies' fortunes as a result. As a rule, proven sequence winners like Newtown Anner Stud Farm's G2 May Hill S. and G3 Prestige S. winner Darnation (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) can find it hard, especially after having to travel, but with the sun shining like summer she could still have an edge despite her horror draw in 10 of 10.

Aidan O'Brien's sole favourite on the card is his representative here Opera Singer (Justify), who is unbeaten over this mile trip and who came into her own when taking The Curragh's G3 Flame of Tara S. in August. Drawn best of the main contenders in two, she carries the confidence of Ryan Moore. “This Justify half-sister to Hit It A Bomb and Brave Anna , both group one-winning juveniles, took a big step forward when winning at the Curragh last time. She looked a serious filly there and, although the likes of Darnation and Les Pavots clearly have to be respected, I reckon she has a big chance here to follow in the family footsteps,” he said.

Interestingly, the aforementioned Les Pavots (Ire) (No Nay Never) is a half-sister to a duo by Camelot (GB) that the Ballydoyle handler has recently had through his hands in Sir Dragonet (Ire) and Sir Lucan (Ire), but Haras d'Etreham and Craig Bernick's TDN Rising Star is not surprisingly more about speed and precocity than those middle-distance colts. After a string of creditable efforts over five and six furlongs, the Francis-Henri Graffard trainee is two-for-two over seven with a latest triumph in Deauville's G2 Prix du Calvados but on strict form has to improve again upped another furlong.

In general, winners of this tend to be already battle-hardened fillies, with Wuheida (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in 2016 the last to come off a debut win and succeed. That augurs badly for Albert Frassetto's highly-regarded Ribaltagaia (Blame), but what the Gianluca Bietolini-trained Lyon Parilly winner lacks in experience she more than makes up for in star potential if the manner of her performance in that 6 3/4-furlong maiden is anything to go by.

Can Blue Rose Bloom Again?

Dominant in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac on this fixture 12 months ago, Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) seemed an unstoppable force by the time she had extended her sequence in the G1 Prix de Diane in June. Now approaching the G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines, Yeguada Centurion SL's homebred has had her wings clipped to a degree with two defeats marring her otherwise admirable record. While the latter probably came as a result of insufficient stamina in the 12-furlong G1 Prix Vermeille, the prior reversal was marked by a sluggish display in the G1 Nassau S. over this 10-furlong trip.

Only fourth having been hampered in that Goodwood feature won by the more straightforward Al Husn (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the dual Classic heroine is on a retrieval mission but Christopher Head is confident she is going to go out on a high in 2023. “I think that's pretty much going to be the end of the season for her,” he said. “She's going back to the 2,000, she's had a tremendous season and we can't wait to see her this weekend.”

With the possibility that Blue Rose Cen may fail to fire and Al Shira'aa Farms' G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Jannah Rose (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) being drawn in 12, this could open up. There was only a head between that Carlos Laffon-Parias-trained 3-year-old and Lumiere Rock (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) in the G2 Prix Alec Head at Deauville in August and that subsequently impressive G2 Blandford S. winner has the upper hand from stall three.

Princess Has a Question To Answer In The Abbaye…

Uncharacteristically tame defending her crown in the G1 Flying Five at The Curragh when last seen on Irish Champions Weekend, Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) looks to bounce back on her first tilt at the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines. Having dodged this burn-up 12 months ago in favour of a build-up to the Breeders' Cup, John Quinn is keen to have a go this time on the back of a season which can be seen as slightly underwhelming. That may be a harsh summary given that her current campaign has yielded a win in Goodwood's G2 King George S. and three placings at this level, but then she was such a force in 2022 anything other than a repeat was always going to engender a touch of deflation.

“She's doing fine and has been well since the Curragh,” Quinn said. “I've been happy with her the last 10 days. She did a little bit of work on Tuesday morning and moved well and Jason [Hart] was happy with her. She looks well, it didn't work out at the Curragh but Sunday is a different day.”

Of her draw in stall 14, he added, “She missed the break at the Curragh and slipped coming out and at least in 14 she has a bit of space where she can manoeuvre. I was hoping to get somewhere in the middle, like 10 or 12, so I'm not going to cry over 14. This is a nice flat track, she has good form on flat tracks and we're looking forward to Sunday.”

Of the 3-year-olds, The Rogues Gallery's Listed Scarbrough S. winner Rogue Lightning (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) is dangerously progressive albeit from the widest draw in 19. Others in the mix are the Flying Five hero Moss Tucker (Ire) (Excelebration {Ire}) and Clipper Logistics' TDN Rising Star Dramatised (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) who needs to arrest a decline having failed to fire since opening her season with an impressive win in the G2 Temple S.

Rogue Lightning's trainer Tom Clover said of the post position, “It is a bit of a graveyard draw, but he's in really good form. We're not drawn too far from Highfield Princess, so hopefully that gives us some pace and he can run a really nice race.”

Kinross Poised For Foret Defence...

The draw is all-important in the G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret, particularly when there are 14 in the line-up as is the case this year, so Marc Chan's ever-reliable TDN Rising Star Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}) has an immediate headstart in two as he bids for back-to-back wins in the seven-furlong contest. This has been dominated by British raiders since Make Believe (GB) prevailed for France in 2015 and one of his main rivals, the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp heroine Sauterne (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), has a nightmare scenario from stall 13. In nine is Kinross's 2022 1000 Guineas-winning compatriot Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}), who will need to go forward from there as she continues her road back.

Chan's racing manager Jamie McCalmont said of Kinross, “Knowing Frankie as long as I've known Frankie, he's not really one to become emotionally attached to horses but one thing is for sure, he really does like this horse and is fond of him. I remember last year by the time that race was run, the English crowd had got a fair few drinks in them and when they went back into the winner's enclosure the crowd were chanting 'oh Frankie Dettori'. It was pretty cool. Let's hope they are all singing again.”

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A colourbearer for Gousserie Racing and Ecuries Serge Stempniak, the five-for-five G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero ran out a three-quarter length winner of the G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano when last seen in August.

“Why shouldn't I be optimistic? I'm coming in with a horse that's unbeaten,” said Rouget, who is seeking his second Arc after the success of Sottsass (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) in 2020.

“We know in any race anything can happen and we're coming to the end of the season, but he gets three kilos from the older horses, which is important. I'm optimistic in the sense that he goes into the race unbeaten and has done everything we have asked him to so far.

“It's been six weeks [since Deauville] and the six weeks have passed very quickly.”

The 2400-metre Arc will be the colt's first try over that trip and at that racecourse. In the lead up to Sunday's card, the weather also appears to be playing fair which is good news for several contenders.

“Obviously we can't be certain, but with the way he finishes his races and also the fact his sire was a winner over the distance gives us hope that he can stay,” he continued. “If the Prix du Jockey Club [French Derby] had been over a mile and a half, as it was in the past, he would have won that.

“Last year Vadeni (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}) was in the same place for us and he ran really well [finished second to Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB})]. I'm not worried about the course, he's an easy horse once he's settled in his race and there are plenty of horses that have won the Arc that also hadn't run at Longchamp before.

“I think it is going to be good for everyone, which is an interesting point about this year's race. In the past the race was often criticised for its heavy ground and the fact horses are tired, but this year I think the ground is going to suit everyone.”

Ground Key For Feed The Flame And Fantastic Moon

G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB})'s camp is hoping for a bit of ease in the ground. Pascal Bary is seeking his first Arc, and is also confident in his Jean-Louis Bouchard-owned colt, who was second to Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) in the G2 Prix Niel earlier this month.

“He's a very good horse, he has a very good temperament and he gets the mile and a half really, really well,” said Bary. “I think on the day of the Arc, the ground will be slightly different and he will be more comfortable on that ground.

“Anything a bit softer than the ground he encountered in the Jockey Club, Grand Prix de Paris and Prix Niel would be appreciated.”

The connections of G1 Deutsches Derby hero and Prix Niel scorer Fantastic Moon were pleased with their colt's Tuesday work at Munich and have not ruled out the Arc at this stage. Raced by the Liberty Racing Syndicate, Fantastic Moon would need to be supplemented.

“Fantastic Moon's work in Munich was very good,” said Liberty Racing Syndicate's Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten on X on Tuesday morning. “The trainer will have a discussion with the owners about the possibilities with an eye on ground conditions. The Arc is in any case again a real option, if the sun continues.”

Another expected supplement is the Coolmore partners' Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), who won the G1 St Leger for Aidan O'Brien in mid-September.

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Mission accomplished for Ace Impact!

The Arc favourite lands the Group 2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at @fgdeauville… pic.twitter.com/pq4MHEGXjY

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 15, 2023

Rightly revered for his rapid closing three furlongs of 34.01 in the Jockey Club, Ace Impact was well off a moderate pace this time as Birr Castle led the main group mainly ignoring the rabbit up ahead. Having gifted that Godolphin-Fabre project and top Irish colt Victoria Road (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) a four-length headstart at the three pole, he roared by them with a finishing burst of 34.69 and a potent 10.92 penultimate split in the bargain. Now it is up to connections as to whether they let him unleash that dramatic flourish on the Derby winner and older horses in the Irish Champion or store it up for the Arc.

Rouget was non-committal either way afterwards. “We will have to discuss his future with the partners–either he will have another race before the Arc or go straight to the big one,” he said. “We will have less pressure on than we did today, as these races are very difficult to call beforehand. There is a lot at stake with a horse that is an undefeated brilliant winner of the Prix du Jockey Club and who has been partly sold since. You don't want to lose, you don't know if the horse still wants to fight, if the race will be tactical, if he is ready enough knowing very well that he is not 100% because that's how I do things.”

“You could see early in the race that he was keen, because he is fresh but once the race went into a good rhythm he relaxed,” the Pau-based maestro added. “He showed the same acceleration and just idled a bit at the end, as he needed the race. “It is a big relief for all the reasons I mentioned.”

Christian Demuro was feeling the release of the pressure afterwards. “It is always emotional when you have an unbeaten horse like this and a great relief to see that he has retained all his ability,” he said. “He gave me some trouble getting him to settle, but he did after a furlong and in the straight he quickened strongly and gave me great vibes. He did idle a bit at the end, maybe because he needed the race but also maybe because he trains there every day and knows by heart where to pull himself up.”

Part-owner Serge Stempniak commented, “I had sold half of him to the Chehboub Family and didn't want them to be disappointed, so there was pressure. It was a very important race for his future at stud in France. I have wonderful partners who are so nice to deal with, so I am delighted with the result. I will let Jean-Claude Rouget make the decision with my partners for his next race. Maybe the Irish Champion would be nice on his CV for his future career, but I will let them decide.”

Pedigree Notes
The dual listed-placed dam Absolutly Me has also produced two other listed-placed performers in Apollo Flight (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) and Alessandro (Fr) (Australia {GB}). Her family includes the top-class British-trained stalwarts Teleprompter (GB), Ibn Bey (GB) and Roseate Tern (GB) and the talented Red Camellia (GB) (Polar Falcon), who took the G3 Prestige S. and was third in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches before producing the G1 Fillies' Mile heroine Red Bloom (GB) (Selkirk). The dam's 2-year-old colt Arrow Eagle (Fr) is by Gleneagles (Ire).

Tuesday, Deauville, France
PRIX GUILLAUME D'ORNANO-G2, €400,000, Deauville, 8-15, 3yo, 10fT, 2:07.59, g/s.
1–ACE IMPACT (IRE), 128, c, 3, by Cracksman (GB)
1st Dam: Absolutly Me (Fr) (SP-Fr & Ger), by Anabaa Blue (GB)
2nd Dam: Tadawul, by Diesis (GB)
3rd Dam: Barakat (GB), by Bustino (GB)
1ST GROUP WIN; 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€75,000 Ylg '21 ARQAUG). O-Gousserie Racing & Ecuries Serge Stempniak; B-Mme Waltraut Spanner (IRE); T-Jean-Claude Rouget; J-Cristian Demuro. €228,000. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Fr, 5-5-0-0, €1,139,100. *1/2 to Apollo Flight (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), MSP-Fr, $139,492; and Alessandro (Fr) (Australia {GB}), SP-Fr, $111,837. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Al Riffa (Fr), 128, c, 3, Wootton Bassett (GB)–Love On My Mind (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). (€31,000 Wlg '20 ARQDEC; 150,000gns Ylg '21 TATOCT). O-Jassim Bin Ali Al Attiyah; B-Haras d'Etreham, Benoit Chalmel, Cofinvest & Meridian International SARL (FR); T-Joseph O'Brien. €88,000.
3–Birr Castle (Fr), 128, c, 3, Cloth Of Stars (Ire)–Baki (Fr), by Turtle Bowl (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€170,000 Ylg '21 ARQOCT). O-Godolphin; B-Francois Rohaut (FR); T-Andre Fabre. €42,000.
Margins: 3/4, HD, 2. Odds: 0.40, 5.50, 11.00.
Also Ran: Greenland (Ire), Cambronne (Fr), Ponty (Fr), Victoria Road (Ire), Straight (Ger). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

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Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), who got closest to him at a respectable 3 1/2-length deficit, beat all bar Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) on Sunday, the fourth home Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}) produced a display out of the top drawer himself in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and the fifth Epictetus (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) managed to overturn Nostrum (GB) (Kingman {GB}) at Goodwood, so the Jockey Club form looks at least the equal of the Derby and even possibly better at this stage.

Jean-Claude Rouget is charting a path to the Arc, with the potential of a trip to Leopardstown, and Gousserie's Pauline Chehboub is hoping the dream continues. “Ace Impact is in good form and should run well tomorrow,” she said. “We are targeting some exciting group ones in the autumn, so tomorrow's race is important.”

Joseph and Aidan O'Brien provide a trio of opponents headed by Ballydoyle's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Victoria Road (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), who met with a setback in the spring and missed the Classics as a result. While he will probably need the outing, it is worth remembering that he beat Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) in the Listed Criterium du FEE at this track 12 months ago and this could be the start of a big autumn for him too. Joseph saddles Jassim Bin Ali Al Attiyah's G1 Vincent O'Brien National S. winner Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who is even more lightly-raced at this stage of his career while if Gestut Karlshof's Straight (Ger) (Zarak {Fr}) is the one who dismissed Mr Hollywood (Ire) (Iquitos {Ger}) in the 11-furlong G2 Union-Rennen at Cologne in June and not the one who subsequently flopped in the G1 Deutsches Derby he is interesting in this.

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“Goodwood was a sort of disappointment having been the target, but with the ground conditions she just didn't relish that at all,” the Stud's Chris Richardson said. “Frankie made his move to come to the rail and his injection of pick-up was short lived in those conditions. Conditions in France look to have dried up. I think John and Thady were happy with the fact Frankie was kind to her once her chance was gone at Goodwood. Of course there is always a slight concern, but we know she's talented, she's only had two races this year and they tell me she's in a good place. There should be plenty of pace and we will let the filly do the talking. She was kept in training to race on and that's where we are at this point.”

Inspiral was unable to get past Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Triple Time (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot, but the times show that she had a stiff task attempting to come off that pace and Karl Burke's surprise winner has to do it all again with inevitable pace pressure from Yeguada Centurion SL's Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}). That G3 Prix de Guiche and G3 Prix la Force winner has no meaningful form at this mile trip, but he represents the red-hot G1 Prix du Jockey Club form and is a fascinating contender.

Hisaaki Saito's Good Guess (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) is two-for-two over this straight course this season, but at seven furlongs having mastered the G3 Prix Djebel and G1 Prix Jean Prat and has stamina to prove. He was sixth behind Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains over ParisLongchamp's round mile in May, but has developed markedly in the interim and is from a family of smart milers. Good Guess is joined by the fellow Fabrice Chappet-trained G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who is making a welcome return to action this term as he gears towards the middle-distance tests of late summer and the autumn.

Jaber Abdullah's Marhaba Ya Sanafi, who has subsequently finished six-lengths third in the Prix du Jockey Club, is one of two representatives for the owner alongside the G1 2000 Guineas and G1 Irish 2000 Guineas-placed Hi Royal (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) who is on a retrieval mission. His assistant racing manager Philip Robinson said of the pair, “This race brings out all the top horses, but our two are there and will have some kind of shout if at the top of their game. I think they will both run good races and won't be far away, but they are going to have to find a little bit better and improve a bit to win. Marhaba Ya Sanafi has got form over a mile, but I think the French Derby is his better form.”

A Renewed London In Berlin?
Sunday also sees the G1 Westminster 133rd Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten, with Godolphin's promoted G1 St Leger second New London (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) tackle the Haras de la Perelle and Stephane Wattel's four-times group winner Simca Mille (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) in the 12-furlong feature. Given a wind operation after his disappointing return third in the Listed Fred Archer S. at Newmarket at the start of July, New London needs to catch up now so deep into the season. “New London has definitely come forward since his first start of the year at Newmarket,” trainer Charlie Appleby said. “We have been pleased with him going into this and he showed during his three-year-old campaign that he is a talented campaigner.” Last year's G1 Deutsches Derby and G1Grosser Dallmayr-Preis winner Sammarco (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Eckhard Sauren and Liberty Racing 2020's G2 Grosser Hansa-Preis winner Assistent (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) appear the pick of a smart home team in another intriguing top-level European encounter between the Arc underdogs.

Hot Action Continues At Deauville…
Sunday also sees the 10-furlong G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron, where Al Shaqab Racing and Ballylinch Stud's G1 Prix de l'Opera heroine Place Du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) bids to get her season started in earnest, while the juveniles get their chance in the G3 Circus Maximus Prix Francois Boutin over seven furlongs. Godolphin's Doncaster maiden winner Majestic One (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) adds spice from the Charlie Appleby stable successful twice in the last six years along with Qatar Racing Limited's six-furlong debut course scorer Evade (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) from the Andre Fabre stable. Tuesday's G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano will only serve to ramp up the excitement, as Gousserie Racing and Ecuries Serge Stempniak's G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}) was among eight confirmations revealed on Saturday for the 10-furlong feature. Aidan O'Brien has declared the returning GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Victoria Road (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}).

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The three sessions are scheduled to take place:

• Friday, Aug. 18 – 3pm – Lot 1 -134
• Saturday, Aug. 19 – 5:30pm – Lot 135 – 224
• Sunday, Aug. 20 – 5:30pm – Lot 225 – 314

Also included during this year's sale are Lot 91, the first foal by Frankel out of G1SW Timepiece; Lot 116, a daughter of Wootton Bassett out of G1SW Was; Lot 172, a colt by Kingman out of Classic winning Channel and Lot 300, a colt by Lope De Vega out of Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed Mission Impassible.

Graduates of the sale include Group 1 winners Ace Impact, Chez Pierre, Gold Trip, Meditate, Place Du Carrousel, Rougir, Sea La Rose and Sweet Lady.

A total of 40% of the yearlings on offer are out of black-type mares and about 1/3 of the catalogue are siblings to black-type winners.

Among the colts and fillies that will be included are lots by Camelot, Churchill, Cracksman, Dubawi, Frankel, Dark Angel, Galiway, Justify, Kingman, Lope De Vega, Mehmas, New Bay, Night Of Thunder, No Nay Never, Sea The Stars, Siyouni, Starspangledbanner, Wootton Bassett and Zarak, as well as the final crop of yearlings by the late Le Havre and yearlings by young sire Blue Point.

To view the complete catalogue, click here.

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Well ahead of his rivals is Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) on 129, and fellow Japanese runner Titleholder (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) is fourth on 124. Hong Kong's crack sprinter Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) has improved one pound to 125 after a win in the G3 Sha Tin Vase and is tied with Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in second.

Luxembourg (Ire) (Australia {GB}) (123) is also in the top five after taking the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup over Bay Bridge (GB) (New Bay (122), with Hong Kong galloper Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) also weighing in at 123.

Other newcomers to the rankings include G1 Derby winner Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) on 122 and Derby runner-up King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) on 120. Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) (121) defeated Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) (120) in the G1 Coronation Cup the day prior to the Derby. Juddmonte's colt shares a 120-pound mark with G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) heroine Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}).

For the full rankings, please visit the IFHA website.

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Preceding his black-type breakthrough with impressive early-season wins at Cagnes-sur-Mer and Bordeaux-Le Bouscat, the 19-2 chance extended trainer Jean-Claude Rouget's record to six wins in the contest after defeating 17-10 favourite Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) by an impressive 3 1/2 lengths. The trainer has now won five of the last eight renewals while jockey Cristian Demuro, also victorious aboard Rouget's Brametot and Sottsass, improved his tally to three. The winning time of 2:02.63 was a new standard for the race, going under Sottsass's previous best by 0.27 seconds.

Ace Impact employed patient tactics from flagfall and settled several lengths off Big Rock's tempo in 10th with 'TDN Rising Star' Padishakh (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) the only rival in arrears. Making smooth headway on the bridle in the straight, he was stirred into action passing the quarter-mile marker and powered off into the distance once swooping to deprive Big Rock of control with 100 metres remaining. Christopher Head's long-time leader was safely clear of the remainder, with G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) running on well from off the pace to finish 2 1/2 lengths further adrift in third. Rising Stars filled three of the next four spots with the supplemented Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}) fourth, Epictetus (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) fifth and Padishakh seventh.

“We've always liked him, I call him 'Monsieur Sans Souci' and he really is without a care in the world,” said Rouget. “I've never had any problems with him, apart from the fact that he managed to sport a winter coat in the middle of summer. We gave him all the time he needed as I saw something in him when he made his debut at Cagnes-sur-Mer this year. He sprouted wings in the straight that day, just like he did today. He's a very good colt and we thought he was good, but he needed to prove it. I think having three races under your belt prior to running in the Jockey Club is a good thing, but just two races is cutting it a bit fine. When Sottsass ran I didn't believe he was up to it, because of the ground, and yet he blew us away. Just like Ace Impact did today. Sottsass was exceptional, capable of winning on any ground, and Ace Impact has proved that he's very good. I'm very happy to see the colours of a French owner win the race.”

Looking ahead, but without committing to immediate targets, the trainer added, “He's entered in the [G1] Eclipse [at Sandown], but we'll mull matters over first. He has the profile for the [G1] Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe as he has both the physique and the stride pattern. I'd prefer him to run on good ground, like all good horses, but he should be able to emulate Sottsass and be capable of winning on both fast and heavy ground. There are races for him before the Arc and his future programme has not yet been established. Obviously, we are tempted [by the Arc].” Rouget also indicated his other runners Padishakh (7th) and Rajapour (10th) ran too freely and shall revert to shorter trips in the future.

The Also Rans
Connections of the vanquished paid homage to the spectaular nature of Ace Impact's demonstration and were in largely positive mood in the aftermath. Big Rock's trainer Christopher Head was first out of the blocks and admitted, “Big Rock caught a tartar today, but he ran his race and his performance was really very good. Ace Impact looks to be a lot better than Big Rock and the winner did something exceptional. With the pace we set during the race, the bar was set pretty high and I'm very happy with Big Rock's effort.”

Andreas Schutz was a degree lower on the satisfaction gauge and reflected, “I was very happy with his physical condition going into the race, but unfortunately the race didn't go as we'd planned. We thought he'd be closer to the pace. He was a little intimidated when racing amongst horses in the peloton and, when the gaps came his way, he really picked up. He's already won the race [Poule d'Essai des Poulains] we were aiming at, so this is a bonus.”

Pascal Bary feels 'TDN Rising Star' Feed The Flame is not yet the finished article and needs more time to develop. “Ace Impact was impressive, but Feed The Flame lacked a bit of maturity and race experience and he's a colt who still needs to learn,” the trainer said. “When he made his move in the straight, he quickened really well. But, when Christophe Soumillon asked him for extra, he perhaps showed us that the track was a bit too fast for him. I also think that the first and second are better than him. He'll be better on a slightly softer track and will continue to learn his trade. We'll see how he comes out of the race, but the [July 14 G1] Grand Prix de Paris is a possibility.”

Almost never satisfied in defeat, John Gosden had a positive outlook when dissecting the performance of fellow Rising Star Epitectus. “He had a good run and picked up well,” he said. “He had third place in his sights for a long time and only gave in at the very end. It was a good performance.”

Pedigree Notes
Ace Impact becomes the first Group 1 winner for his second-crop sire (by Frankel {GB}) and is the leading performer out of the Listed Berenberg Cup runner-up Absolutly Me (Fr) (Anabaa Blue {GB}). Absolutly Me has also produced Listed Grand Prix de la Riviera Cote d'Azur runner-up Alessandro (Fr) (Australia {GB}), Listed La Coupe de Marseille third Apollo Flight (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) and the unraced 2-year-old cold Arrow Eagle (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}). Absolutly Me is the leading performer out of a half-sister to the stakes-winning GII Santa Barbara H. runner-up Mabadi (Sahm), herself the dam of the dual Group 3-placed Listed Prix Omnium II and Listed Criterium de l'Ouest victor Salai (Fr) (Myboycharlie {Ire}). Ace Impact's third dam Barakat (GB) (Bustino {GB}), who is from the family of MG1SW distaffer Red Bloom (GB) (Selkirk), is kin to MG1SW G1 Irish St Leger hero Ibn Bey (GB) (Mill Reef) and G1 Yorkshire Oaks heroine Roseate Tern (GB) (Blakeney {GB}).

Sunday, Chantilly, France
QATAR PRIX DU JOCKEY CLUB-G1, €1,500,000, Chantilly, 6-4, 3yo, c/f, 10 1/2fT, 2:02.63 (NSR), gd.
1–ACE IMPACT (IRE), 128, c, 3, by Cracksman (GB)
1st Dam: Absolutly Me (Fr) (SP-Fr & Ger), by Anabaa Blue (Ire)
2nd Dam: Tadawul, by Diesis (GB)
3rd Dam: Barakat (GB), by Bustino (GB)
1ST GROUP WIN; 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€75,000 Ylg '21 ARQAUG). O-Ecuries Serge Stempniak; B-Mme Waltraut Spanner (IRE); T-Jean-Claude Rouget; J-Cristian Demuro. €857,100. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, €911,100. *1/2 to Apollo Flight (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), MSP-Fr, $139,492; and Alessandro (Fr) (Australia {GB}), SP-Fr, $111,837. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Big Rock (Fr), 128, c, 3, Rock Of Gibraltar (Ire)–Hardiyna (Ire), by Sea The Stars (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O/B-Yeguada Centurion SLU (FR); T-Christopher Head. €342,900.
3–Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire), 128, c, 3, Muhaarar (GB)–Danega (GB), by Galileo (Ire). O-Jaber Abdullah; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-Andreas Schutz. €171,450.
Margins: 3HF, 2HF, 3/4. Odds: 9.50, 1.70, 9.00.
Also Ran: Feed The Flame (GB), Epictetus (Ire), Flight Leader (GB), Padishakh (Fr), Continuous (Jpn), American Flag (Fr), Rajapour (Ire), Winter Pudding (Fr). Video, sponsored by TVG.

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