Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein : With the rain comes The Revenant
Photo scoopdyga.com
The Revenant (Dubawi) is never on better form than when the rain comes. Hence, he found today’s conditions favourable in this Qatar Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Group 2). Even after a mid-season break, the aptly named horse from d’Al Asayl France, trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, raced keenly ahead of his challengers in the final furlongs. He remains unbeaten this year. Olmedo (Declaration of War), brilliant on the track, finished second ahead of Shaman (Sharmadal).
The Revenant began his career across the Channel and joined Francis Graffard's stables last September. He has now won seven races in France and Germany in eight outings ... He was bred by his owner, Al Asayl, who owns his dam, Hazel Lavery (Excellent Art), winner of the St Simon Stakes (Gr3) in England, who recently gave a filly by Kingman and another by Oasis Dream.
Quotes
Francis-Henri Graffard (trainer of The Revenant, 1st)
“I was confident today, particularly after seeing the rain! He’s a charismatic horse. It was his first race since the beginning of his break and he had the top-weight, but the ground conditions were in his favour. He has continued to improve since spring. It’s his sixth win in a row and I don’t know his limits. He never disappoints. I would like to thank his owners who have believed in me. If all goes well, he will run in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Gr1à at Ascot.”
Jean-Claude Rouget (trainer of Olmedo, 2nd)
“Considering the ground, he ran a good race. There was no rhythm with the small number of runners, which was always the risk. I am glad he came through to win second place because at one moment I thought he would be fourth. But all things considered, what he has achieved is interesting.”
Carlos Laffon-Parias (trainer of Shaman, 3rd)
“He’s run an honest race, Olmedo pressured us a little way in which made us make the move a bit to early, but we payed the price for that today. He was beaten by two good horses. The winner is great and was fresh today, whereas Shaman was a bit deflated, having started his season in March. He’s going on holiday!”