13 July 2024
Photo scoopdyga.com
Saturday, July 13, 2024, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris). - A strong field of eight colts and fillies lined up for the 156th edition of the €600,000 Grand Prix de Paris (Gr1), including the English filly Tamfana (Soldier Hollow), previously third in the Prix de Diane Longines (French Oaks, Gr1). However, the favourite was the unbeaten Delius (Frankel), who had won the Prix du Lys (Gr3) over this 1m1/2 distance at Chantilly just four weeks earlier.
Fourth in the King Edward VII Stakes (Gr2) over the same trip at the Royal Ascot meeting after finishing fifth in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby, Gr1), Mondo Man (Mondialiste) once again missed the break from stall 1 but quickly recovered to race close to the pace, tracking the leader, the Irish raider Illinois (Galileo), who had just won the Queen’s Vase (Gr2) over a longer distance at Ascot. Out in the middle of the track, isolated, was Sibayan (Blame), winner of the Derby du Midi (L), who soon took over the lead from Illinois, who moved to the second position outside Mondo Man. Delius was further back, with Sosie (Sea the Stars), a promising third in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club, sitting in third place outside his stablemate Internaute (Sea the Stars).
As they entered the straight, the outcome was uncertain with Sibayan refusing to give in, Mondo Man trying to make a move from his slipstream, and Tamfana also going forward, while Sosie, who had been positioned well, was pushed out of the way. Illinois seemed poised to take the lead for a moment as he was also maintaining a strong pace. In the 3rd-last furlong, three horses—Delius, Tamfana, and Saganti (Zarak)—clocked under 11 seconds! It was only in the subsequent section that Sosie found a similar burst of speed to pull away from his rivals and finish two lengths ahead of a brave Illinois, with Delius finishing strongly but too late, a neck behind. Tamfana secured a commendable fourth place, just half a length behind.
This was Sosie’s fifth outing. He had won on debut as a 2-year-old over the Chantilly mile, then finished second in the Prix Isonomy (L) on heavy ground and over 9 furlongs. He won the Prix de Ferrières on his return and confirmed his form with a strong third place in the French Derby, finishing well along the rail. This form is validated again after the second-placed First Look subsequently failed to perform in the Hampton Court Stakes (Gr3) at Ascot. Sosie's return is a positive for the Qatar Jockey Club winner, Look de Vega.
Sosie is the sixth foal out of Sosia (Shamardal), a Listed-placed mare who also produced Anasia (Intello), a Gr3-placed, Listed winner, and Copie (Iffraaj), also a Listed winner but over shorter distances. Their brother Sosino (New Approach), second in the Prix Daphnis (Gr3) in 2023, was sold to Blandford and Ontrack Thoroughbreds for €50,000 at the Arqana Arc sale ten days after Sosie’s first victory. The 2-year-old Camelot colt Uther is in training with Christophe Ferland.
This is a German family acquired by the Wertheimer brothers via the second dam, Sahel (Monsun), purchased by Mézeray for €320,000 as a yearling at Deauville and a sister to the German classics winners Schiaparelli, Samum, and Salve Regina!
What connections said:
Pierre-Yves Bureau, the racing manager of the Wertheimer & Frère Stable – the owner-breeders of Sosie (1est) – Chantilly training centre (Oise region)
« It was a superb race! He's a colt we've always held in high esteem, but given his very massive physique, it has taken him a while to come to himself. He's still a relatively new horse, as this was only his fifth career outing. He ran a blinder in the Qatar Prix du Jockey- Club. I was a bit worried when I saw the rain coming as he is a top of the ground colt. However, in the Jockey-Club, he handled the sticky ground.. This victory is very important for breeding purposes. In the autumn, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is the logical target for the colt. »
Maxime Guyon - the jockey of Sosie (1st)
« In the Qatar Prix du Jockey-Club, we were beaten more by the trip than by his rivals - even though they were very good. Sosie is a super straightforward type. He's a bit cold, but once he gets into the swing of things, he really hits the ground running! He's a champion. He was already a smart 2-year-old. After the Jockey Club, we were very confident coming into this race. He's got everything going for him, including a bombproof temperament. We have a colt who will be one of the favourites for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. »
Hermine Bastide – the French representative of Coolmore – the owners of Illinois (2nd) and Delius (3rf)
« We're delighted with Illinois' performance. He was running-on well at the finish. He’s the brother of Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Danedream, and he was coming off a win the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot - the Gold Cup for 3-year-olds. So we had no doubts about his stamina. He was certainly beaten by a very good colt.
Delius ran very well. As in his previous outings, he was doing his best work in the straight. He's probably the eye catcher of the race. »