€130,000 Gros-Chêne (Gr2): Ponntos wins first Gr2

Sunday, June 2, 2024, Chantilly Racecourse (Oise). – Impressive over the straight 5 furlongs at ParisLongchamp recently in the €80,000 Prix de Saint-Georges (Gr3), the Czech speedster confirmed his prowess over the same distance at Chantilly in the €130,000 Prix du Gros-Chêne (Gr2), once again leading from start to finish. Representing Eva Nislanikova, he surged forward to fend off the attack from the French filly Mgheera (Zoustar), ultimately winning by 2.5 lengths, with Pradaro (Penny’s Picnic), a recent handicap winner over this distance at Longchamp, finishing third.

Gros-Chêne (Gr2) @fgchantilly : Nouvelle victoire de Ponntos (Power) qui le fait de bout en bout avec @mickaelbarzalon comme dernièrement sur les 1.000m de Longchamp. pic.twitter.com/x8PZwylnnZ

— France Galop (@francegalop) June 2, 2024

Once again ridden by Mickaël Barzalona, the 6-year-old horse secured his first Group 2 win and the 9th victory of his career, which began in the Czech Republic and has taken him to Germany, Italy, France, Slovakia, Dubai, England, and Abu Dhabi. He has only won beyond 5 furlongs within the boundaries of the former Czechoslovakia and Italy. A two-time winner of the "Saint-Georges" at Longchamp, he was thought to prefer the flat straight of Bois de Boulogne, but the course at Chantilly did not hinder him this time.

Ponntos was sold as a foal for €2,200 at Goffs in Ireland, then for £6,800 the following year at Tattersalls. His younger brother by Zoffany fetched £11,000 a year later as a yearling at Tattersalls. Their dam, Blessing Box (Bahamian Bounty), is a full sister to the talented Bounty Box (Bahamian Bounty), a dual-listed winner of over 6f in Great Britain.