Sky falls in on Six Perfections
The Pascal Bary-trained Six Perfections has been unfortunate to lose two Classics this season, having had no luck in running in both the English and Irish 1000 Guineas.
All looked to be going to plan yesterday as Thierry Thulliez sent her to the front a furlong or so from home.
But Dominique Boeuf followed her through on last year’s French Oaks and Prix de l’Opera winner, who really picked up well in the final furlong to seal victory for trainer Elie Lellouche.
Marbye came down the wide outside to take third, but British raider Spinola faltered after showing up well in the early stages of the mile event.
Boeuf said: “I was a little worried when Six Perfections went for home, because we all know how good she is.
“However, Bright Sky responded magnificently. It was a calculated risk bringing the filly back in trip, and her preparations have been geared accordingly.”
The four-year-old will stick to a mile for her next run even though her two Group One victories last season were over longer trips.
Connections of the Ecurie Wildenstein-owned filly indicated that the Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville on August 17 is a possibility, but that the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on September 7 is probably the more likely option at this stage.
Alan Cooper, racing manager to the Niarchos family, indicated that the luckless Six Perfections would be aimed at the Prix Jacques Le Marois.
“The draw wasn’t ideal and Six Perfections saw plenty of daylight,” he said. “However, we are happy with the run and were beaten by a great filly.”
Meanwhile Godolphin are still looking for their 100th Group One victory after Highdown dead-heated for second place behind Ransom O’War in the 10-furlong Grosser Dallmayr Preis in Munich.
A Group Two winner in Munich and second in the German Derby, Ransom O’War made steady headway from the rear to lead inside the final furlong.
He ran on for a clear-cut length-and-a-quarter victory under Hong Kong rider Stanley Chin.
The winner, a 3.4-1 chance on the German Tote, began his career with Mark Johnston at Middleham, winning on the Southwell all-weather last November, before transferring to Erika Mader in Germany.
Highdown dead-heated with another domestic challenger, Epalo, but Frankie Dettori’s mount would probably have been second outright if traffic problems had not materialised.
Aidan O’Brien’s Black Sam Bellamy proved the big disappointment of the race, finishing fifth. Michael Kinane’s mount was beaten just under five lengths.
Sussex Stakes winner Reel Buddy, who gave Pat Eddery what could be his final Group One victory in an illustrious career, has almost certainly run his last race.
Trainer Richard Hannon revealed yesterday that the horse is set for a stud career in Ireland.
Reel Buddy arrived late on the scene to plunder the Group One prize at Goodwood last Wednesday, beating Statue Of Liberty and Norse Dancer by a head and a short head.
Reel Buddy’s victory was handsome compensation for a number of unlucky near-misses in Pattern company in a career that yielded nine victories.
Of the plan to go to stud, Hannon said: “There have been a few enquiries and now he’s got his Group One it makes sense to call it quits.
“There is nothing concrete about the location as yet, but I would think he will be going to Ireland.”
