Coolmore and Westerberg's dual Group 1-placed 4-year-old colt Ancient Rome (War Front–Gagnoa {Ire}, by Sadler's Wells) returns off a ninth in June's G1 Prix du Jockey Club when last seen and registers a stylish comeback win at Chantilly in his first start for over nine months.
6th-Chantilly, €18,000, Cond, 3-7, 4yo, 9f (AWT), 1:50.78, st.
ANCIENT ROME (c, 4, War Front–Gagnoa {Ire} {MGSW & MG1SP-Fr, G1SP-Ire, $597,492}, by Sadler's Wells) snagged the G3 Prix des Chenes and placed in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and G1 Criterium International as a juvenile, but had not been seen since running ninth in last June's G1 Prix du Jockey Club on the turf here. Under a tight grip in fourth for the most part, the 1-2 favourite loomed large out wide with 350 metres remaining and coasted home in second gear once cruising to the front approaching the final furlong. At the line, he was value for much more than the half-length margin back to Marvanco (Fr) (George Vancouver). Ancient Rome is the seventh of 10 foals and one of seven scorers from as many runners produced by MGSW G1 Prix Saint-Alary, G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Irish Oaks placegetter Gagnoa (Ire) (Sadler's Wells). He is a full-brother to G3 Naas Juvenile Fillies Sprint victrix Etoile and kin to Listed Prix Amandine third Galateia (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) and a 2-year-old filly and yearling filly by Justify. The January-foaled dark bay's dam, who was bred to Gun Runner last year, is kin to three black-type winners, namely G1 Derby-winning sire Pour Moi (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), GSW G1 Irish Derby third Dawn Patrol (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Listed Salsabil S. victrix Kissed (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Gagnoa's siblings also include the dam of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Lifetime Record: GSW & MG1SP-Fr, 10-4-2-1, €222,030. Video, sponsored by TVG.
O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Westerberg; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (KY); T-Andre Fabre.
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