Gr1 Prix d'Ispahan : Sosie can do it all

ParisLongchamp Racecourse played host on Sunday to a superb card featuring two Group 1 races—the highest level in international competition—the Prix d’Ispahan and the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, as well as a Group 3 event, the Prix du Palais-Royal.

The Prix d’Ispahan was claimed by a colt who is already emerging as one of the leading contenders for the upcoming Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Group 1), the world championship for Thoroughbreds, set to take place this year at ParisLongchamp on October 5. Sosie (Sea the Stars), already the winner of the Prix Ganay (Group 1) just a month ago, handled the 1,850-metre trip of the Prix d’Ispahan with aplomb to deliver a highly promising performance, finishing ahead of British raider Sardinian Warrior (Saxon Warrior). Next on his agenda is the Eclipse Stakes, a Group 1 race scheduled for July 5 at England’s Sandown Racecourse. Then, the focus will shift to preparing for the Arc…

Pierre-Yves Bureau, representative of Wertheimer & Frère, the owner and breeder of the champion, commented: “There was a slight concern: would Sosie have enough turn of foot for a race over 1,850 metres, which is a different test compared to 2,400 metres. Maxime Guyon made sure he was always well-positioned in the race. He was very impressive, and I believe he’s simply very good! He’s now reached full physical maturity—he looked absolutely magnificent. He comes from a staying family, but his dam was more of a miler.”

The Prix Vicomtesse Vigier, which was upgraded to Group 1 status this year, went to a newcomer at this elite level: Candelari (Frankel), racing in the colours of the Aga Khan Studs and trained by Francis-Henri Graffard. With the operation’s first jockey, Mickaël Barzalona, serving a suspension, it was Clément Lecoeuvre who guided the horse to victory. This marks the jockey’s first Group 1 win in France, having previously enjoyed success at this level in Germany.

Finally, Topgear (Wootton Bassett) made a winning return to action in the Prix du Palais-Royal (Group 3), for trainer Christopher Head and owner Hisaaki Saito. The horse is now set to be seen again during the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting.