13 May 2020
Photo scoopdyga.com
Wednesday, May 13th, 2020, Chantilly. - After a fine start, the favourite Wooded (Wootton Bassett) left the lead to Alocasia (Kingman), whom he dominated in the final stages to win the 6 furlongs-prix Texanita (Gr3) by three and a half lengths. My Love's Passion (Elstroem) was led to the inside on her own, followed by only one horse, Xaaros (Kendargent), as they were drawn 12 and 13. The former stayed on well and finished a good third, beating Abama (Alhebayeb) on the stand's side.
Purchased € 90,000 at the Deauville yearling sales, he started with a second place in Dieppe in July at 2, beaten by a short neck, and won straight afterwards over 7 furlongs in Deauville. Then placed in the La Rochette (Gr3) and the Thomas Bryon (Gr3), he was making his comeback here. on a good ground that's supposed to favour him, according to his trainer Francis-Henri Graffard. He was also the best-rated horse in this 3-year-old sprint, with a mark of 106.
Wooded is the second foal out of Frida La Blonde (Elusive City). Bred in Ireland by Zur Kuste AG, but assimilated in France, he's a full brother to the Listed-placed Beat Le Bon, Their Ajaya sister was sold €65,000 at Deauville in 2019, and an Intello yearling filly follows.