Hocquart: Bubble Gift is getting bold

Monday, May 24, 2021, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris). - In a fast Prix Hocquart (Gr2) led by Sassoon (Soldier Hollow), the last one to pull the trigger was bound to get an edge, and that's what made Bubble Gift (Nathaniel) the bolder here. Trained by Mikel Delzangles, the Gerald Mossé-ridden chestnut travelled with the rearguard but finally took over Gregolimo (Galiway), already busy dealing with Lambo (Protectionist), finally third at almost a length, as the winner only prevailed by a neck. Media Stream (Frankel) had mounted his challenge earlier in the straight but couldn't keep up with the top contenders and finally gave way to finish 5th, two lengths behind a tough Sassoon. The favourite Calgary (Olympic Glory) stayed on in 6th, as his rider Christophe Soumillon declared to the stewards that he probably hadn't liked the soft ground.

Bubble Gift has already won last time out over 1m4f at Chantilly, bating Alter Adler, who won again on the same course and distance. It was his third race as he'd finished 4th at 2 for his debut over 9 furlongs, in November at Fontainebleau racecourse. He also had finished 2nd for his seasonal bow at Saint-Cloud, over a mile and a half, well beaten by Martial Eagle, since then a good 3rd in the Prix Greffulhe. 

Bubble Gift is in the Grand Prix de Paris and the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Bred in France by Ali Hakam, Bubble Gift didn't make it to the sales but his elder, maiden sister Bubble Art (Mastercraftsman) was unsold at € 20,000 when consigned at Deauville Breeding sale by Haras de Maulepaire, at 3 in 2019. Both are siblings to Bubble Chic (Chichicastenango), a Prix du Jockey Club 2nd who ended his career in Hong Kong at the top local level.