6 May 2019
Photo scoopdyga.com
Flop Shot (New Approach) easily defeated the favourite Syrtis (Frankel) for his second race of the season on Monday at Chantilly on the Prix de Guiche (Gr3)'s 1,800m/9f trip. Homebred by Wertheimer & Frère, he left his best rival, also trained by André Fabre, at three lengths. Third-placed Insandi (Anodin) finished well for his return within two lengths of Syrtis.
Flop Shot is the first foal out of Dancequest (Dansili), who later gave a Camelot colt declared in training with André Fabre, and an Australia colt. Dancequest won once and finished third in the Prix de Liancourt (L) at the age of 3. She is a sister to Balladeuse (Singspiel), winner of the Prix de Royallieu (Gr2) and the dam of Prix Vermeille (Gr1) winner Left Hand (Dubawi), and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Gr1) winner Plumania (Anabaa).
Flop Shot is in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Gr1) but not in the QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club (Gr1).
Another important race on Monday, the Prix des Lilas (L) saw Obligate (Frankel) win very convincingly. Homebred by Khaled Abdullah, she went all the way and left Pure Zen (Zoffany) at two and a half lengths. Trained by Pascal Bary, Obligate is entered in The Emirates Poule d'Essai (Gr1), in the Saxon Warrior Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary (Gr1) and in the Prix de Diane Longines (Gr1), but her trainer said he was aiming the Prix de Sandringham (Gr3), over a mile on June 2nd on the same course.
Obligate's dam, Responsible (Oasis Dream), did not run but she's a sister to champions Dansili (Danehill), Banks Hill (Danehill), Cacique (Danehill), Champs Elysees (Danehill), Deluxe (Storm Cat)... Obligate is probably her first foal.