18 April 2021
Photo scoopdyga.com
Sunday, April 18, 2021, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris). - Cirona (Maxios) wasn't challenged as she took the lead in the Prix de la Grotte (Gr3), a French 1,000 major trial, and her rider Maxime Guyon didn't have to ask for more to keep leading the field. He was also able to let her find momentum as she went, and if King’s Harlequin (Camelot) seemed to have an edge one out, as she was fighting off See the Rose (Kendargent) for the lead, Cirona came back and won by a head, beating a fast-finishing Silvestri (Siyouni) and King’s Harlequin, also beaten by a head for the 2nd place. The favourite Sweet Lady (Lope de Vega) finished fast too but too late and had to settle for the 4th place, at a nose, nose, just peeping See the Rose on the wire. Rougir (Territories), who had beaten Cirona last season in the Prix des Réservoirs, was held off all the way behind the leaders without a clear run.
A trial ending with such small margins is not quite satisfactory. Cirona, however, showed great resilience and grit here. One will also note that Silvestri, second for her comeback only 20 days earlier, was timed the last 2 furlongs almost as fast as the rather unlucky Sweet Lady.
It looks like the jury for the French 1,000 Guineas is not only out, but also not yet aware of anything! Anyway, Cirona is entered in the classic, and also in the Saxon Warrior Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary and the Prix de Diane Longines.
Cirona was homebred by Scuderia Waldeck (Frank Walter). Her dam Coco Demure (Titus Livius) won a Listed mile at Syracuse in Sicily. She is also the dam of Chares (Ivawood), a winner of three races at 2 for the same connections and later sold €710,000 at the Arc sale. Exported to Hong Kong, where he now is known as Maximus, he's yet to win over there. Coco Demure also foaled a Territories 2-year-old filly trained by Christophe Ferland.