Alnadana outclasses rivals in Prix Messidor
Report: France, Saturday
Maisons-Laffitte: Prix Messidor (Group 3) 1m
THE Aga Khan's Alnadana was kept in training at four to win a Group event and that she did on Saturday when outclassing five others in the Prix Messidor at Maisons-Laffitte.
Ridden with extreme confidence by Christophe Soumillon, Alnadana was soon at the head of affairs after a slow start. The daughter of Danehill Dancer then dictated from two furlongs out. All that was left was the race for second place, which was finally taken by the ex-South African six-year-old Mr Brock ahead of his stablemate, Putney Bridge.
The winning distance was three lengths but it could easily have been more had Alnadana been put under pressure.
Some interest was taken out of the Messidor when the much-fancied Golden Century was withdrawn at the 11th hour after developing a cough.
Alain de Royer-Dupre: Group 2aim
PICTURE: Martin Lynch"I hope she can do even better later in the season," said Alnadana's trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre before adding: "After she went lame in Dubai, we had to change plans.
"Alnadana is a magnificent filly who will make a fine broodmare. I'm not sure whether we will go straight for a Group 1 race now. More likely a Group 2."
Alnadana is entered in the Grade 1 Beverley D at Arlington Park next month.
Both Mr Brock and Putney Bridge are under the care of Criquette Head-Maarek, who said: "I was very pleased with both horses and Mr Brock is improving more and more and is certainly useful.
"Putney Bridge seems to show his best over a straight course. Probable plans are for both to go to Deauville next time out. Mr Brock could line up for the Prix Gontaut-Biron and Putney Bridge for the Prix Quincey which is over a straight mile."
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