Blue Rose Cen is after something rare and special here. Only the French legend Allez France in 1973, Divine Proportions in 2005 and Zarkava (Ire) in 2008 have completed the Marcel Boussac-Poule d'Essai des Pouliches-Diane treble, so there is that extra pressure on Christophe Head who looks to land this Classic 10 years on from the last of his aunt Criquette's in Treve (Fr).

“I think she is in prime form,” he said. “I'm crossing my fingers that everything goes well in terms of the longer trip. She is really one of those brilliant kinds and has been very professional the whole time. I have the feeling we can do it again–it's going to be a very nice race and of course we will encounter new fillies, good fillies, but I can't wait. She has a great mentality, has been easy to train and has been working brilliantly.”

Ready Yourself

This is as deep a Diane as has been seen for some time, with the Gosdens' representative Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion) almost certainly up to this standard on the evidence of her electric performance in Newmarket's Listed Pretty Polly S., Ballymore Thoroughbred Ltd's TDN Rising Star Pensee Du Jour (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) looking so dominant in the early-season staging posts of the Listed Prix Rose de Mai and G3 Prix Penelope, Ballydoyle's Never Ending Story (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) moving up to a more suitable trip still giving off the vibe that she is a top-class filly in the making, and Al Shira'aa Farms's unbeaten G1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Jannah Rose (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) prompting such notable comments from the normally reticent Carlos Laffon-Parias.

Any Other Rose?

Jannah Rose may have fared best in the draw on Thursday, with her middle position in seven meaning Christophe Soumillon can make an early decision as to where best to position her throughout those all-important early stages. Three winners in the last nine years emerged from that stall and six of the last nine were drawn between six and nine and it is interesting to note that in the G3 Prix Vanteaux and Saint-Alary she was also drawn middle to wide. In the latter, she was produced to beat Elusive Princess  (Fr) (Martinborough {Jpn}) by just 3/4 of a length, but the manner of her performance suggests there will be plenty more to come faced with sterner opposition.

Carlos Laffon-Parias, who is part of the Head family having married Christopher's cousin Patricia, is after his first renewal and said, “I have come close before, but time is passing and I must win it before things become more complicated! I remain confident I will eventually win it and I hope that day is close at hand.”

Bridging The Gap

Blue Rose Cen has been putting some notable fillies in their place for some time now, but this is a different test and different day for a couple who are looking to make it closer. Never Ending Story was beaten over five lengths by Christopher Head's pride and joy in the Marcel Boussac, but that was after a troubled trip on contrastingly deep ground when things hadn't yet fallen into place for her. In one way, her five-length fifth in the Pouliches was a surprising backward step having looked so dynamic when slamming the 1000 Guineas third Matilda Picotte (Ire) (Sioux Nation) in Leopardstown's Ballylinch Stud 1000 Guineas Trial in April, but there is a nagging sense that middle distances and summer ground will see her make a leap forward as it did for her dam Athena (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). Behind Blue Rose Cen in the Grotte and Pouliches, Everest Racing's Lindy (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) also has solid claims for being more competitive this time, but stall 13 is a major disadvantage and she will need all the luck from there.

Ryan Moore believes that his mount's story is far from over. “I don't think we saw the best of my filly at all when she was fifth in the French 1000 Guineas last time,” he said. “She didn't run badly, but she didn't fire and pick up as I was expecting as I thought she had a big shot at winning that race. However, I think she remains a Group 1 filly and I hope she can prove it over a trip that she is bred to get. She could just surprise some fillies with more obvious claims.”

Best Of The Rest

Chantilly's card also features the G3 Prix du Bois Longines, with the TDN Rising Star fillies Les Pavots (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Ramatuelle (Justify) taking on Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard and Bruno De Montzey's unbeaten colt Zorken (Fr) (Goken {Fr}) and the G3 Prix du Lys Longines, where Maniatic (Ire) (Intello {Ger}) and Don Diego De Vega (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) provide further evidence of the merits of Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}) having chased home that impressive G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero in this venue's Listed Prix de Suresnes last month.

The post Chantilly: Can Blue Rose Cen Pull Off A Classic Double? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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From homebreds, to pricy auction purchases, the 15 G1 Prix de Diane Longines's contenders run the gamut of backgrounds. G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches victress Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) will try to add another Classic to her resume, but she faces strong competition in the form of the unbeaten Jannah Rose (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), and the Gosdens' Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion) among others.

NOVAKAI (GB), Lope De Vega (Ire)–Elasia (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire})
Owner/Breeder: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum
Trainer: Karl Burke
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Her 92-rated dam won at up to 1m6f and is from the family of quirky but talented stayer Pallasator (GB). From a stable in rich form, she was second to subsequent Oaks winner Soul Sister in the G3 Musidora S. on her sole start this season. A maiden winner on debut at two, she was later runner-up in both the G2 May Hill and G1 Fillies' Mile. A surprise not to see her start in the Oaks as she should stay beyond the distance of the Diane.

Wow! Novakai, a daughter of Lope De Vega, makes a hugely impressive debut at @DoncasterRaces for @karl_burke and @tomeaveswigan… pic.twitter.com/Eg3Y7okoQV

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 16, 2022

JANNAH ROSE (IRE), Frankel (GB)–Sophie Germain (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire})
Owner: Al Shira'aa Farms
Breeder: John Hayes
Trainer: Carlos Laffon-Parias
Sales History: €650,000 Goffs Orby yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: A half-sister to the Group 2 winner Creggs Pipes (Ire), she is unbeaten in her three lifetime starts, including once last year and most recently in the G1 Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary. A real class act who should start close to favourite.

PENSEE DU JOUR (IRE), Camelot (GB)–Painter's Pride (Fr) (Dansili {GB})
'TDN Rising Star'
Owner: Ballymore Thoroughbred Ltd
Breeder: Dayton Investments Ltd
Trainer: Andre Fabre
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: From a family which includes the brilliant Arc winner and sire Peintre Celebre, she is a half-sister to the Meydan Group 3 winner Canvassed (Ire) (Shamardal) and has looked very smart in her three runs this year. Never beaten to date, she won on Chantilly's all-weather track in February before coping well with soft conditions to post easy victories in the Listed Prix Rose de Mai and G3 Prix Penelope. A smart prospect if she can handle faster turf than she has encountered so far.

The unbeaten Pensee Du Jour is going for Classic glory on Sunday!

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 13, 2023

KHAHIRA (FR), Pedro The Great–Excitante (Fr) (Excelebration {Ire})
Owner: Andy Claire, Abdel-Hakim Benahmed & Nour-Eddine Smail
Breeder: Mme J-H De Chevigny
Trainer: Myriam Bollack-Badel
Sales History: €25,000 Arqana October yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Her dam was placed once at two over 6f and is herself out of a 6f Listed-winning juvenile. Khahira was highly tried at two, but was consistently in the first three and eventually won her sixth of seven starts last year, at Deauville. Kept on the go through the winter, she has made another five appearances this year, including when third in the Listed Prix de la Seine. This looks a tough assignment.

LINDY (FR), Le Havre (Ire)–Llanita (GB) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire})
Owner: Everest Racing, Ecurie Waldeck, Meridian International, Ecurie Elag, Ecurie Nininoe, Didier Provost & Frank Dhooghe
Breeder: Ecurie La Vallee Martigny Earl
Trainer: Christophe Ferland
Sales History: €90,000 Arqana August yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Runner-up in both the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and G3 Prix de la Grotte to Blue Rose Cen (Ire) having previously been unbeaten in three starts, including at Listed level. She has a decent chance to become her late sire's third winner of the Diane.

TASMANIA (GER), Australia (GB)-Tusked Wings (Ire) (Adlerflug {Ger})
Owner/Breeder: Gestut Schlenderhan
Trainer: Francis-Henri Graffard
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Her dam won the G2 Diana Trial, was fourth in the G1 Preis der Diana, and produced the Listed-placed Task (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) as her first foal. Grand-dam Tucana (Ger) Acatenango (Ger) is a half-sister to Tertullian (Miswaki), from a long established Schlenderhan family. Tasmania looks very much an improving sort, who built on her debut fourth in October last year by winning maiden and conditions races in Paris, in the latter beating subsequent G3 Prix de Royaumont winner Ottery (GB). An interesting each-way prospect who should cope with stepping up in trip in time.

Gestut Schlenderhan-homebred TASMANIA breaks her maiden

Australia 3yo, dam Gr2 Tusked Wings

3×4 Sadlers Wells & 4×4 Allegretta, her 4th dam, plus 5×5 Allegretta's dam Alya pic.twitter.com/c72YhMAen1

— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) April 7, 2023

RUNNING LION (GB), Roaring Lion–Bella Nouf (GB) (Dansili {GB})
Owner: D P Howden
Breeder: The Bella Nouf Partnership
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: A half-sister to Group 3 winner Majestic Glory (GB) (Frankel {GB}), her dam is a dual-winning half-sister to three black-type performers. Impressive winner of the Listed Pretty Polly S. in May and was among the leading fancies for the Oaks but was scratched at the start when unruly in the stalls. As long as there is no repeat drama she could go close.

Seriously impressive Roaring Lion filly! Running Lion devours her rivals for the Gosdens and @D_Muscutttt at @LingfieldPark… pic.twitter.com/rD73gvVPmc

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 6, 2022

ELUSIVE PRINCESS (FR), Martinborough (Jpn)–Elusive Action (Fr) (Elusive City)
Owner: LNJ Foxwoods, Ecurie Victoria Dreams & Jean-Philippe Dubois
Breeder/Trainer: Jean-Philippe Dubois
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: A daughter of the Group 3-winning Deep Impact stallion Martinborough, she is the first foal of her unraced dam who traces back to a Lagardere family which includes the Group 2 winner Diamond Mix (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}). The winner of both starts last year, and again on debut this season at Saint-Cloud in April, she has subsequently been a close second in the G3 Prix Cleopatre and was then runner-up to Jannah Rose in G1 Prix Saint-Alary, for which she was supplemented. Doesn't need to have improved much to play a leading role.

Three on the bounce for Martinborough (Deep Impact) 3yo ELUSIVE PRINCESS beating the boys in the Prix Tourbillon.@Harasdegrandcam @FRBC_Official @francesire pic.twitter.com/uDOWYKhK05

— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) April 2, 2023

NEVER ENDING STORY (IRE), Dubawi (Ire)–Athena (Ire) (Camelot {GB})
Owner: Mrs John Magnier/Michael Tabor/Derrick Smith/ Westerberg
Breeder: Coolmore
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Won the G3 Ballylinch Stud Priory Belle 1000 Guineas Trial S. and was fifth in the Poules d'Essai des Pouliches, having placed at Group 1 level in France at two. She is out of a GI Belmont Oaks Invitational S. winner and is Athena's first foal. From the family of Urban Sea (Miswaki), which is replete with Group 1 winners, the granddaughter of Cherry Hinton (GB) (Green Desert) is a live chance, but must continue to improve.

Exciting filly.

Never Ending Story (Dubawi) justifies her odds-on billing on Group debut, landing the Silver Flash Stakes for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien at @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/MWuXCG4HK3

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 21, 2022

CAROLINE STREET, No Nay Never–Harvestfortheworld (Ire) (So You Think (NZ)
Owner: Marc Detempel & Michael Buckley
Breeder: Grantley Acres, R Conner & R Davidson
Trainer: Joseph O'Brien
Sales History: $200,000 Fasig-Tipton NY Saratoga Select yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Successful in last month's G3 Blue Wind S., the Kentucky-bred is the first foal out of the G3 Gallinule S. third Harvestfortheworld and is from the extended family of G1 Phoenix S. winner Pharaoh's Delight (Ire) (Fairy King). If the chips fall her way, she could grab a piece of the spoils.

Blue Wind Stakes (G3)
2.010 m – 65.000 EUR – for 3yo mares
Naas

Caroline Street (IRE)
(No Nay Never – Hatvestfortheworld, by So You Think)
J : Dylan Browne McMonagle
T :Joseph Patrick O'Brien
O :Marc Detampel & Michael Buckleypic.twitter.com/90WGlI4g40

— (@WorldRacing1) May 6, 2023

LEFT SEA (GB), Frankel (GB)–Left Hand (GB) (Dubawi {Ire})
'TDN Rising Star'
Owner/Breeder: Wertheimer et Frere
Trainer: Carlos Laffon-Parias
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Another contesting the French Oaks on the back of a victory is this homebred filly, who rolled to a three-length win in the Listed Prix Melisande at ParisLongchamp earlier this month. The second foal and winner out of G1 Prix Vermeille heroine and 2016 Diane second Left Hand, Left Sea is kin to French Oaks third Plumania (GB) (Anabaa). Although she carries family history with this Classic, Left Sea faces a tough challenge.

LADY EWELINA (GB), Mukhadram (GB)–Quadri (GB) (Polish Precedent)
Owner: Westminster Race Horses GMBH
Breeder: Lady Legard
Trainer: Andreas Wohler
Sales History: 3,500gns Tattersalls October Book 3 yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The undefeated German group winner is the 16th and final foal out of Quadri, and a half-sister to New Zealand Group 1 winner Turn Tide (GB) (Medicean {GB}). Her second dam is a half-sister to American champion Wandesta (GB) (Nashwan), and if her form translates to Chantilly, she will be right there.

Schwarzgold-Rennen (G3)
1.600 m – 55.000 EUR – for 3yo mares
Köln

Lady Ewelina (GB)
(3F Mukhadram – Quadri, by Polish Precedent)
J :Eduardo Pedroza
T : @RennstallAW
O :Westminster Race Horses GmbH
B :Lady Legard
Tamarinde (Amaron)
Bärbelchen pic.twitter.com/glej86ZEuI

— (@WorldRacing1) May 7, 2023

ROMINA POWER (FR), Le Havre (Ire)–Rockatella (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire})
Owner: Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Stables
Breeder: Ecurie Haras du Cadran & SCEA Bissons
Trainer: Michael Figge
Sales History: €10,000 Arqana October yearling; €20,000 Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge 2-year-old
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: This filly broke her maiden in her eighth start, the Listed Tattersalls Diana Trial at Baden-Baden last time, and her dual Italian stakes-winning dam was also placed thrice at group level in Europe. Part of the immortal Reprocolor (GB) (Jimmy Reppin {GB}) clan, Romina Power must continue to progress if she is to make an impact on Sunday.

Tattersalls Diana Trial(Listed)
1.800 m – 25.000 EUR – for 3yo mares
Baden -Baden

Romina Power (FR)
(3F Le Havre – Rockatella ,by Rock Of Gibraltar)
J : Augustin Madamet
T: Michael Figge
O :Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Stables
B :Ecurie Haras Du Cadran & SCEA Bissons pic.twitter.com/PVwwTnh4Fe

— (@WorldRacing1) May 20, 2023

BLUE ROSE CEN (IRE), Churchill (Ire)–Queen Blossom (Ire) (Jeremy)
Owner/Breeder: Yeguada Centurion SL
Trainer: Christopher Head
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: A Group 1 winner at two and already successful in the G1 Poules d'Essai des Pouliches this year, the homebred is the first reported foal for G3 Park Express S. heroine Queen Blossom, who also won the GIII Santa Barbara S. in the U.S. Her granddam was placed in the G3 Silver Flash S., and Blue Rose Cen has every chance of adding another Classic laurel. Breaking from the favourable inside gate, she is the one to beat.

Prix De La Grotte (G3)
1.600 m ,80.000 EUR , for 3yo mares
Longchamp

Blue Rose Cen (IRE)
(Churchill -Queen Blossom, by Jeremy)
J : A. Lemaitre
T : C. Head
B & O : Yeguda Centurion pic.twitter.com/U7LkBoBQW0

— (@WorldRacing1) April 16, 2023

WISE GIRL (FR), Recoletos (Fr)–Darma (Fr) (Danehill Dancer {Ire})
Owner/Breeder: Yeguada Centurion SL
Trainer: Christopher Head
Sales History: €105,000 Arqana October yearling buy-back
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Bearing her breeder's second colours, this filly won at Chantilly in May, and is a half-sister to the useful stakes winner Dariyma (Fr) (City Zip), who was third in the G2 Prix Dollar. The relative of French Classic winners Almanzor (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Darjina (Fr) (Zamindar) is facing her first black-type race on Sunday. A win here would be a shock.

The post Prix de Diane Longines: Where Did They Come From? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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One of the duo to overcome a wide post was Star Of Seville (GB) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}) in 2015, and her trainer John Gosden knows the significance of the draw. “She's a tough filly and she needs to be from stall 12,” he stated. “She's in great form and we're really happy with her and her work has been great this year. She's very business-like, both in the mornings and her races and has shown nothing but a great mental attitude to her racing and has been very consistent.”

Others of note include Ballydoyle's Never Ending Story (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in stall three, Everest Racing's Pouliches runner-up Lindy (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) in 13 and Al Shira'aa Farms's unbeaten G1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Jannah Rose (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in seven. The Saint-Alary runner-up Elusive Princess (Fr) (Martinborough {Jpn}), supplemented by LNJ Foxwoods, is in stall 14.

The post Diane Draw Unkind to Running Lion; Favours Blue Rose Cen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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2nd-Chantilly, €28,000, Cond, 3-13, 3yo, f, 8f (AWT), 1:41.67, st.
SECRETIVE (FR) (f, 3, Justify–Media Mischief, by Into Mischief), a €150,000 Arqana August yearling who accounted for a trio of subsequent winners when annexing her Nov. 29 unveiling over 7 1/2 furlongs at Deauville in her only prior start, was swiftly into stride and accepted a tow in a comfortable second for most of this sophomore bow. Inching ahead at the quarter-mile pole, the 1-2 favourite was shaken up passing the furlong marker and kept on impressively under mild coaxing in the closing stages to easily defeat Dark Zel (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}) by three lengths. “I am delighted to see her win so nicely as she is one of my best fillies at home,” reflected trainer Yann Barberot. “The form of her first race is very strong and she had come to hand nicely this last week, but she is not yet at her peak and will come on for that. The plan is one more start in April before going for the [May 14 G1] Poule d'Essai des Pouliches [at ParisLongchamp].” Secretive, who also boasts an engagement in this track's June 18 G1 Prix de Diane, is the second foal and scorer produced by a daughter of GII Buena Vista H. and G3 Prix du Bois winner Media Nox (GB) (Lycius), herself kin to three stakes performers headed by MGSW G2 Prix de Malleret victrix Bonash (GB) (Rainbow Quest). Media Nox also threw three pattern-race winners, headed by G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Prix du Moulin heroine Nebraska Tornado (Storm Cat), and her descendants feature last term's G1 Irish Derby victor Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}). The February-foaled bay's dam Media Mischief was a lucrative proposition in the sales ring and changed hands for 250,000gns at Tattersalls' 2017 December Mares and $450,000 at Keeneland's 2019 January Mixed sale. She was also a $475,000 RNA at the 2018 Keeneland November Foals and Mares sale. China Horse Club International forked out $550,000 for her, carrying Secretive, at the following year's fixture while her 2019 filly Vaccine Of Hope (Pioneerof the Nile), herself a $260,000 Keeneland September graduate, notched two wins in 2022. Unfortunately, her 2021 colt by Siyouni (Fr) died last year. Sales history: €150,000 Ylg '21 ARQAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, €27,500. Video, sponsored by TVG.
O-Prime Equestrian SARL; B-China Horse Club International (FR); T-Yann Barberot.

The post Justify Filly Goes Two-For-Two With Chantilly Triumph appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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“I haven't got the words to explain how I feel–I am privileged to be in the position I am in,” she said. “She's very good, as things didn't pan out how I wanted but she has plenty of class and responded to pressure. She's a star. It's such a prestigious race and this is a huge honour.” John Gosden said of the winning jockey, “She's a very talented rider with great character. The race was a muddle and we didn't intend to be on the front, but it came out well. This is the filly's distance–the Oaks was too far.”

Nashwa debuted in the seven-furlong Newmarket novice in October dominated by the classy Haggas runner Golden Lyra (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and ran the kind of race full of promise expected of a future Oaks winner, before earning TDN Rising Star status with a 6 1/2-length romp on her comeback at a mile at Haydock Apr. 23. Prepping for her Classic in Newbury's Listed Haras de Bouquetot Fillies' Trial S. over a mile and a quarter May 14, she continued to excite with a smooth win from Stay Alert (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) who in a twist of fate would go on to beat Golden Lyra in the Listed Abingdon S. next time. Epsom-bound despite initial talk of coming here, Nashwa gave a solid display to follow home Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) over a trip that stretched her on a track that also looked to have compromised her, but this was the kind of quick turnaround for which Gosden Sr is not renowned.

Helped by being handed a golden draw in two, with the 5-1 second favourite Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) on her inside, Nashwa was sent forward from the break to take full advantage but ended up exposed in the front line until Ioritz Mendizabal crossed over on Tariyana (Fr) (Sea the Stars {Ire}). With that filly providing only brief cover, Doyle was committed to staying at the fore matching strides with Olivier Peslier on Agave and they straightened for home together prepared for what seemed to be a private match. By the time they passed the 300-metre marker, the Juddmonte filly was beginning to back out of the fight and it was Gerald Mosse and La Parisienne who emerged from behind as the biggest threat. Having been smuggled up the rail, the 22-1 shot looked to have been delivered with perfect timing but Nashwa gave generously to keep her at bay and provide her rider with the milestone victory. There was a moment of great sportsmanship and kinship after the line, with the veteran maestro Mosse demonstrating his class and confirming why he is widely held with such distinction in racing by congratulating his ground-breaking young jockey rival.

“I've got a lot of people to thank,” Doyle said. “Without Imad Al Sagar I don't know if I would ever have been in the position to get an opportunity like this. These types of horses are hard to come upon and I'm only 25, so it's relatively early on in my career and I feel pretty lucky. I felt very vulnerable at the two-furlong pole, I'm not going to lie. It was a muddling race and I felt beforehand someone would be a bit more decisive pace-wise than they were. I didn't really want to be where I was, but she was very relaxed and happy to be one off the rail with a bit of company either side. She's versatile and responsive when needs be. When the second horse came to my girths she really dug deep, which was great to see. I think she could be even better next year.”

“If you'd said to me three years ago that I would be riding in a Classic for Mr Gosden I'd have laughed,” she added. “To be in this position is incredible and when you ride at this level, the trainer has done all they can and the owner has put you in position, so it's down to me on the day. I just expect a lot from myself and I don't want to let people down. You have to prepare yourself to be at your best when given the opportunity and that's what I try and do.”

John Gosden continued his praise of the rider and said, “The owner-breeder Imad Al Sagar said to me two or three years ago that he had two or three jockeys he was looking at and wanted to retain a jockey. He showed me the list and I said 'Hollie Doyle', and I know other people would back me on that. She's hugely talented and horses run for her. She's incredibly meticulous and hard-working and she analyses things properly. The race didn't work out how we thought, but we did have the Plan B to stay forward if that occurred and she's shown herself as a class rider and the filly is a class filly who was beautifully ridden. I am proud and Thady is extremely proud, because it's the youth team teaming up again. It's quite obvious that I'll be surplus to requirements quite soon with the youthful Thady and Hollie!”

Of Nashwa's immediate target, he added, “I think she'll have a freshen up. She's run in two Oaks, which is tough, but she seemed remarkably calm after the race and was having a very natural, normal blow. Star of Seville won this a few days after the Oaks, but she didn't have a hard race there as she was stopped three out and just hacked home. One race that stands out is the Prix de l'Opera and I think if we make that our big target and come back from there, that would be the way to play it. I think she definitely deserves a freshen up and a summer holiday now.”

The €65,000 Arqana Deauville Select Yearling Sale graduate La Parisienne had looked one of the better outsiders, having won impressively at Deauville and Saint-Cloud before finding only Hidden Dimples (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) too strong in the 11-furlong Listed Prix de la Seine. Bought into by the Kentucky-based Peter Bradley earlier this year, she has provided handsome reward for that 70% investment with Marc Leonetti, JML Racing, Meridian International and Remy Dupuy-Naulot also involved. The original plan had been to send her to Chad Brown this year, but there was no decision immediately after Sunday's race, just mass celebration of playing such a key role in the Classic.

Yann Lerner was overcome with emotion at the performance of the runner-up and said, “It is almost a victory and to participate in such races with a chance is what we dream about all the time. She had a perfect trip, she came out in time to win it but the winner was too good.” Yann's father Carlos added, “We have always like this filly, who was bred at Haras du Cadran by my long-time friend Pierre Talcard. He had recommended me to buy her at the yearling sales and I did well to follow his advice.” Gerard Larrieu, representing Rosacea's owner Haras de la Perelle, commented, “She ran a great race and Christophe Soumillon was very happy with her effort. She finished strongly, showed her usual turn of foot but with the bad draw she was left with too much to do.”

Nashwa, who is the eighth Classic winner for her sire, is the third foal out of the Listed Gillies Fillies' S. winner and G1 Prix Jean Romanet runner-up Princess Loulou (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}). She is a granddaughter of the Listed Princess Elizabeth S. runner-up Sweeping (GB) (Indian King), who produced the dual listed-winning sprinter Watching (GB) (Indian Ridge {Ire}) who was also runner-up in the G2 Prix du Gros-Chene here. Sweeping is also the second dam of the listed scorer Nufoos (GB) (Zafonic), who in turn produced three black-type winners in the G1 Middle Park S. and G2 Mill Reef S. hero Awzaan (GB) (Alhaarth {Ire}), the G3 Sweet Solera S. winner Muraaqaba (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the Listed Sandringham H. winner and dual group 3-placed Muteela (GB) (Dansili {GB}). Also related to the G2 Keio Hai Nisai S. winner Ball Lightning (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) and the GIII Will Rogers S. scorer Media Mogul (GB) (First Trump {GB}), Princess Loulou's yearling filly is by Decorated Knight (Ire) while she also has a colt foal by Dubawi (Ire).

Sunday, Chantilly, France
PRIX DE DIANE LONGINES-G1, €1,000,000, Chantilly, 6-19, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT, 2:06.63, g/s.
1–NASHWA (GB), 126, f, 3, by Frankel (GB)
     1st Dam: Princess Loulou (Ire) (SW-Eng, G1SP-Fr & GSP-Ire, $175,317), by Pivotal (GB)
     2nd Dam: Aiming (GB), by Highest Honor (Fr)
     3rd Dam: Sweeping (GB), by Indian King
1ST GROUP WIN; 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. TDN Rising Star. O-Imad Al Sagar; B-Blue Diamond Stud Farm (UK) Ltd (GB); T-John & Thady Gosden; J-Hollie Doyle. €571,400. Lifetime Record: SW & G1SP-Eng, 5-3-0-2, €696,538. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–La Parisienne (Fr), 126, f, 3, Zarak (Fr)–Skysweeper (Fr), by Hurricane Run (Ire).
1ST GROUP BLACK-TYPE; 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK-TYPE. (€65,000 Ylg '20 ARQSEP). O-Peter R Bradley III, Marc Leonetti, Ecurie JML Racing, Meridian International SARL & Remy Dupuy-Naulot; B-Ecurie Haras du Cadran, Ecurie Patrick Klein & SCEA Haras du Ma (FR); T-Carlos & Yann Lerner. €228,600.
3–Rosacea (Ire), 126, f, 3, Soldier Hollow (GB)–Relizane (GB), by Zamindar.
1ST GROUP 1 BLACK-TYPE. O/B-Haras de la Perelle (IRE); T-Stephane Wattel. €114,300.
Margins: SNK, 4HF, 3/4. Odds: 3.00, 22.00, 10.00.
Also Ran: Agave (GB), Fall In Love (Ire), Daisy Maisy (GB), Zellie (Fr), Tariyana (Fr), Beaute Cachee (Fr), Place du Carrousel (Ire), Babala (Ire), Toy (Ire), Times Square (Fr), Queen Trezy (Fr), Yukata (Ire), Nadette (Fr), Galla (Fr). Scratched: Ottilien (Fr). Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by TVG.

The post History For Hollie Doyle As Frankel’s Nashwa Wins The Diane appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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With honours roughly even in recent times between the French and the visitors, she presents a major obstacle to the home defence which has been successful in only three of the last seven editions. Al Wasmiyah Racing's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Zellie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Juddmonte's G3 Prix Penelope winner Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) have favourable low draws and spearhead a four-strong assault from the Andre Fabre stable. The former, who was fourth in the G1 1000 Guineas, moves up in trip but there is ample stamina on the dam's side which features the high-class Pride (Fr) (Peintre Celebre) while Agave boasts Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) as a relation. She had looked potentially special until meeting her nemesis in Saint-Cloud's G2 Prix Greffulhe and, while she was undone by Onesto (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in that May 8 contest typically used as a Derby prep, time may prove that she faced a tough task against that colt.

Join The Ride

Alongside Zellie and Agave, Andre Fabre also has Al Shaqab Racing and Ballylinch Stud's G3 Prix Cleopatre winner Place du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and the Wertheimers' impressive May 29 ParisLongchamp conditions winner Babala (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}). Place du Carrousel's form has a line to the Oaks via the Cleopatre third Kawida (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}) and, if taken literally, that leaves her with something to find with Nashwa but Fabre is a master of the targeted slow-build and she is unlikely to have been too close to a peak on that occasion. Subsequently second to Above the Curve (American Pharoah) when asked the impossible in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary at ParisLongchamp May 29, she has a draw in eight which is on the verge of acceptable and provided she isn't positioned too far back by Mickael Barzalona will be making her presence felt late.

Doleuze's Dream Girl

Team Valor International's relentless pursuit of Classic glory continues apace on Sunday with the filly owned in partnership with Marco Saviozzi, Nadette (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}). She had Jean-Claude Rouget's chief Diane hope Yukata (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) back in third, with the highly-regarded Juddmonte-Fabre project Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB}) further behind, in the nine-furlong Listed Prix Finlande at ParisLongchamp May 19.

“She's in full bloom,” commented trainer Romain Le Dren Doleuze, the son of Georges Doleuze who won this on Dunette (Fr) (Hard to Beat {Ire}) in 1979 and brother of Olivier who also captured it on Egyptband (Dixieland Band) in the millennium year. “We let her develop in her own time as a 2-year-old by allowing her to grow into her frame during the winter. Now we're reaping the rewards.”

Daisy, Give Me Your Answer Do

Gitte Poulsen-Allaire gets the chance to have her colours carried in a Classic by a genuine contender in Daisy Maisy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who was behind the re-opposing Times Square (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) and Rosacea (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) when fifth in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp May 15. The wife of the prominent trotting figure Philippe Allaire, her filly was also second in the G3 Prix de la Grotte there Apr. 17. Trainer Yann Barberot said, “She will be my first runner in such a prestigious race and I'm really happy. It's a challenge with a fun element and I think that the longer distance should suit her. If the thunderstorms materialise and the ground eases, it won't be a problem. Her breeder, Thierry de la Héronnière, came to see her and he concluded that she has done very welĺ physically. A gorgeous type, she almost looks like a colt. The Allaire colours are going great guns, as they again made their mark in group contests [for trotters] at Vincennes last Saturday. I hope that the filly won't embarrass them.”

Key Support

In the supporting races, there are a pair of bluebloods fit to grace the day in The Aga Khan's 'TDN Rising Star' Erevann (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the Wertheimers' Goldistyle (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The former, who was labelled a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut at Deauville in October, beat the subsequent Listed Prix Ridgway winner Haya Zark (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) in a conditions event over this trip at Saint-Cloud Mar. 29 and meets Godolphin's May 15 G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains third Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}) in the G3 Prix Paul de Moussac Longines over a mile. Goldistyle, a daughter of Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa), tackles the G3 Prix Bertrand du Breuil Longines having looked more than ready for the challenge when taking the May 15 Listed Prix Maurice Zilber. In the G3 Prix du Bois Longines, Scuderia Semeso and Sebastiano Guerrieri's impressive May 22 Listed Premio Alessandro Perrone winner New Collection (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}) flies the flag for the Italian juveniles. The G3 Prix du Lys Longines, a warm-up for the G1 Grand Prix de Paris, sees the May 1 Listed Prix de l'Avre winner Martel (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) represent the Wertheimer-Fabre link.

Click here for the group fields.

The post Nashwa Poised For Diane Challenge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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The post 18 Stand Firm For Chantilly’s Prix de Diane appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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