€135,000 Robert Lejeune 3yo Hurdle race (Gr3): Djin's claims youngsters' crown

Thursday, September 19, 2024, Auteuil Racecourse (Paris). - The big favourite of this €135,000 Robert Lejeune 3yo Hurdle Race (Gr3) after his two spring victories, the 3-year-old Nietzsche Has (Zarak) did not shy away from his responsibilities as he travelled behind the leaders, namely Kivala du Berlais (Saint des Saints), supported by Rooster Crowing (Chanducoq) and Bon Prince (Palace Prince). In the final turn, Kivala du Berlais, who had made a mistake a lap from the finish, was still in the lead, but Rooster Crowing and Nietzsche Has just behind with Djin's (It's Gino), who had always travelled slightly behind. It was between the last two hurdles that the race was indeed decided. Djins made his effort and attacked Kivala du Berlais, but Nietzsche Has did not react. While Djins overcame the leader by nearly a length behind, Nietzsche could not contain the good finish of Moty Marc (Motivator), the only competitor to have already made his comeback this autumn at Auteuil after having raced in the summer at Clairefontaine.

Second for his debut in a beginners' race at Fontainebleau, Djins won on his first try at Auteuil by ten lengths. He confirms here that he has actual ability.

Djins is the latest product of Lady An Co (Lavirco), a 3rd in the Prix Congress (Gr2) out of a sister to the champion hurdler Byzantium (Village Star). He was bought for €19,000 at Arqana at the 2023 autumn sales when he was two years old, then he was unsold at €200,000 at the Arqana online sales last March, between his debut and his 1st victory.