Visindar shoots to Derby favouritism
The Andre Fabre-trained colt had been well supported for the Epsom Classic in recent weeks after running out a four-length winner on his only start last term and he proved his well-being when cruising to success over Racinger.
Christophe Soumillon settled the son of Sinndar in third as stablemate Thomamix set a quick early pace and he was still hard on the bridle turning into the straight.
The ever-confident rider only had to let the reins out a notch and Visindar accelerated to the front with his partner just letting him stride on for a facile triumph.
VC Bet responded by cutting Visindar to 5-1 joint-favourite with Horatio Nelson from 8-1 for the 12-furlong showpiece in June, while Ladbrokes make him their outright market leader at 4-1.
Soumillon said: “He was very impressive.
“He did everything really easily today, he is a very fine horse and is a fine prospect.”
Neal Wilkins, spokesman for VC Bet, said: “This was a typical ride from Christophe Soumillon and we were all left guessing about how much of a horse he had underneath him, but potentially Visindar looks as though he could go all the way.”
Fabre made it a double when Gentlewave swooped late and fast to claim the Group Two Prix Noailles.
The master trainer was responsible for three of the six runners in the 130,000 event with Soumillon opting to ride previous Group One winner Linda’s Lad. That duo that set a decent early gallop and they were still travelling well in front as the field turned for home.
Linda’s Lad started to flag in the straight, while Fabre’s other runner Bremen was just getting into top gear and looked to have taken it when hitting the front a furlong out.
However, Oliver Peslier conjured a remarkable turn of foot from Gentlewave and he swept down the outside to pip his stablemate by a short head in a photo.
“I would have preferred if he had responded quicker,” said Peslier. “He picked up really well but will need to be sharper next time out.”
