8 April 2021
Photo scoopdyga.com
Thursday, April 8th, 2021, Deauville Racecourse (Calvados). - What to make of this edition of the Prix Djebel (Gr3) is anyone's guess at this stage of the season but it is obvious that it was not run as most of these French prep races are usually run. One of the two entries trained by Hiroo Shimizu, Esope (Galiway), took the lead as fast as possible to make sure the pace would suit his stablemate. To give a better idea of the pace the eight wannabee Guineas pretenders had to deal with, one can compare with the sectional timing of the fillies version, the Prix Imprudence, run on the same course an hour later: the colts took 47’’4 to reach the 3-furlong pole, while the fillies took 50’’5 to reach that stage of the race … Obviously, it wasn't a good day to fiddle around and that's what Gregory Benoist soon found out on Fast Raaj (Iffraaj), who accelerated brutally about 300 yards out, coming for the rear in a few strides to take the lead while Prince Lancelot (Sir Prancealot) had to settle awkwardly as Esope was fading in front of him!
The favourite Pimento (Iffraaj) had also had plenty of timer to find momentum on the inner side, slightly isolated, but he needed a breather right at the moment Fast Raaj went by at full speed to snatch a lead that he wouldn't let go afterwards, winning by a neck. After all his trouble, Prince Lancelot finally came back to take 3rd place.
Fast Raaj, who finished less than 2/10th over the race's record time, was bred by Haras d’Étreham, Riviera Equine and Écurie du Parc Monceau (Philippe Lazare). He was withdrawn at the Deauville sales last year and nos races for his breeders. His 4-year-old gelding brother by New Approach was sold for £82,000 at Tattersalls in March. The winner is out of Interesting (Raven’s Pass), a Darley-bred mare who was trained by Henri-Alex Pantall and was 2nd in the Prix Eclipse (Gr3) at 2 behind future sire Penny’s Picnic, and she ran only once after that at 3. After Fast Raaj she foaled a filly and a colt by Almanzor. The former, now 2, is in training with Yann Barberot for the same owners. Haras d'Etreham bought Interesting for € 300,000 at the Arqana breeding sales in foal to Iffraaj! Her dam With Fascination (Dayjur) was one of the best 2-year-olds in Europe in 1995.
Fast Raaj, won his maiden second time out last October on Chantilly's all-weather. He came back with a 4th place in a 6.5 furlong-Listed. Turf could favour him. Luckily enough, the French 2,000 Guineas are still run on grass and he's in it.