Critérium International: Angel Bleu rules the French juvenile brigade

October 23, 2021, Saint-Cloud Racecourse (Hauts-de-Seine). - The Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (Gr1) winner, beating Noble Truth and Ancient Rome at ParisLongchamp on Arc day, Angel Bleu (Dark Angel) confirmed his leadership as he fought hard to win again in front of Ancient Rome (War Front) in the Critérium International (Gr1). Going from 7 to 8 furlongs did not prove to be an issue for the Ralph Beckett-trained colt, who finally prevailed by a head over his main rival as Purplepay (Zarak), who had to go around the whole field to place his final effort in the straight finished a good length behind the two first home.

Angel Bleu was bred in France by Pan Sutong Racing Bloodstock, and he was consigned by Ecurie des Monceaux at the Arqana sale, where he was privately sold € 100,000 €. His Siyouni yearling brother was sold last Summer at the same venue for €1.5m to Oliver St Lawrence. Angel Bleu is the first foal out of Cercle de la Vie (Galileo), a full sister to the champions Highland Reel, Cape of Good Hope, Idaho and Nobel Prize. She, however, took only one place at Evreux after being bought for £ 460,000 at Tattersalls.