Vandeek wore down hot favorite Ramatuelle in the final furlong and got up in the final strides to win the Prix Morny (G1) for 2-year-old colts and fillies Sunday at Deauville.
With the win, Vandeek earned an automatic starting berth into the $1-million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) in November at Santa Anita through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In.
KHK Racing's Vandeek finished a short neck ahead of Kentucky-bred Justify filly Ramatuelle, victress in the Prix Robert Papin (G2) in her previous start. Together, they left in their wake the much-touted Coventry (G2) victor River Tiber, who tried in vain to match the winner's blistering acceleration but could only stay on for third, two lengths behind Ramatuelle.
Vandeek raced off the early pace under Andrea Atzeni but was in touch near the back of the nine-horse field. Ramatuelle, prominent from the get-go, was shaken up by Aurelien Lemaitre 1 1/2 furlongs out and took charge from pacesetter Jasour. She appeared poised to go on to triumph but ultimately could not withstand the withering rally of Vandeek, who surged in the shadow of the post to narrowly prevail.
Time for the six furlongs on turf rated as very soft was 1:09.84.
Vandeek, a Havana Grey colt who won the Markel Richmond Stakes (G2) at Goodwood Aug. 3, handled his step up to the elite level with aplomb. Trained by Simon and Ed Crisford, he is perfect in three career starts.
Bred in Great Britain by Kelly Thomas' Maywood Stud, Vandeek was the co-sale topper at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale in April when purchased by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock for 625,000 guineas ($881,584).
Vandeek's dam is the Exceed And Excel mare Mosa Mine. His third dam, French-bred Bamieres, is the dam of the champion Balbonnella, also French and the dam of the legendary sprinter and sire Anabaa.
The post Vandeek Runs Down Favorite Ramatuelle To Land ‘Win & You’re In’ Prix Morny, Stays Unbeaten appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
