24 July 2017
photo scoopdyga.com
The first three home in France's first Gr2 test for juveniles are trained in Britain.
Three juveniles sailing from England filled the trio in the Prix Robert Papin (Gr2), first 2yo Gr2 raced in France, on Sunday at Maisons-Laffitte. Unfortunately (Society Rock), trained by Karl Burke and riden by French jockey Tony Piccone, dominated Frozen Angel (Dark Angel), who had led from the start, and the filly Heartache (Kyllachy), the Queen Mary Stakes (Gr2) winner. Unfortunately had finished second to Ardenode (Hellvelyn) in the Prix du Bois (L) in a previous raid over Maisons-Laffitte's straight course.
The only French-trained competing, High Dream Milena (Dabirsim) was slightly bumped by the eventual winner about one furlong out, and recovered well to finish fourth but the French stewards, after hearing the jockeys involved, felt that the incident had not cost the Christiane Head-Maarek-trained filly a better place on the finish line.
Two Listed races were also on the card on Sunday. In the Prix de Bagatelle (L), a mile race for 3 year old fillies, Esquisse (Dansili) won very easily for Wertheimer & Frère, a month after opening her tally at Chantilly fibresand. Pia Brandt saddled Silver Step (Silver Frost), who just resisted in the Prix de la Pépinière (L), another Listed open to 4+ horses over 1m1/4, just holding off Avenue Dargent (Kendargent).