Subdued Cirrus flops again
Corine Barande-Barbe’s gelding went off the 2-1 favourite for the Grand Prix de Deauville, having picked up the Group Two event a couple of years ago en route to his Champion Stakes success, but he has now been beaten four times this season and weakened into fifth behind Tres Blue (11-1).
Christophe Soumillon had Cirrus Des Aigles, the highest-rated horse in the world after Frankel’s retirement, handy on the home turn but he quickly dropped away.
The winner, ridden by Fabrice Veron, had been second in the German Derby won a Group Three over course and distance earlier in the month.
Tres Blue poked his head in front on the line ahead of Penglai Pavilion and the front-running Slow Pace.
The winner’s trainer, Alex Pantall, will now aim him at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Lady Cecil’s First Mohican was never a danger in eighth under Tom Queally.
There was a British one-two in the Group Three Prix Quincey as Fire Ship just thwarted the late challenge of Belgian Bill.
William Knight’s Fire Ship (9-1) picked up a Listed event at Pontefract, quickly following up with fifth in the Betfred Mile at Goodwood, and he made every yard of the mile under Neil Callan.
Belgian Bill, who landed the Royal Hunt Cup for trainer George Baker, took a while to get going under Gerald Mosse but was steaming home in the closing stages and there was just a short neck between them.
“It’s my first winner in France, and everyone’s had a good day,” said Littlehampton-based Knight.
“The jockey got his fractions right and the rain coming down helped him. He’s a horse who just keeps improving and we might come back to France for the Prix Daniel Wildenstein, a Group Two at Longchamp on Arc weekend.”
Myasun and Olivier Peslier came late and wide to claim the Group Three Prix de Meautry.
Christian Baillet’s consistent chestnut was sent off at 12-1 over six furlongs of the Normandy course and swooped widest of all to edge out Andre Fabre and Godolphin’s 5-2 favourite Tulips.
