Eclipse: Topgear in full throttle

September 17, 2021, Chantilly racecourse (Oise). - Unbeaten and favourite, Topgear (Wootton Bassett) made Mr Hisaaki Sato's colours shine at Chantilly in the Prix Eclipse (Gr3). He's had to dig deep to overcome Best Flying (Pedro The Great), who never gave in. The rest of the field was well beaten by the two outstanding youngsters. The final time, 1’10’’92, is one of the best in recent years. After two Deauville wins, Topgear, trained by Fabrice Chappet, continues his ascent to the top.

Topgear is the 3rd foal out of Miss Lech (Giant’s Causeway), all winners now: Project Fear (Intello) won in claimers, Mountains Blues (Scissor Kick) also but made it to the handicaps. With Wootton Bassett (Iffrajj) involved, the family raises to the top shelf. It was already noticed at the sales as Topgear made the top bid in the family at €200,000 for  Chauvigny Global Equine at the 2020 yearlings sales.

The family hails from America with the 2nd dam Mystérieuse Etoile (Quiet American), also the dam of Guilt Trip (Pulpit), a Group 2 winner stateside, but traces before in Europe: it is also the family of Majorien, a Conseil de Paris (Gr2) winner, or Américain, winner of the Melbourne Cup (Gr1).