Christophe Soumllion on Dabirsim (left) looks across at Dragon Pulse (right)
PICTURE: SCOOPDYGA.COMDabirsim collared by
Dragon in Fontainebleau
Report: France, Sunday
Longchamp: Prix de Fontainebleau (Group 3) 1m, 3yo colts
DRAGON PULSE (Mikel Delzangles/Gregory Benoist) collared Dabirsim in the final strides on his first start for his new trainer.
It had looked as though Dabirsim would secure a stylish win as he cantered into the lead and jockey Christophe Soumillon took several looks over his right and left shoulders.
But Dabirsim, who was unbeaten as a juvenile, was unable to hold off the late thrust of the winner and may have paid for pulling hard throughout the race.
"I'm not disappointed," said Soumillon, who was riding the dual Group 1 winner for the first time. "The horse was a bit keen in the early stages, and when I took the lead I thought he'd win very easily. When I asked the horse for an effort he was a little short, and put his head in the air. But I'm confident for the Poulains."
The merits of both Dabirsim's first attempt at 1m and Soumillon's ride will be debated between now and the Poule d'Essai des Poulains on May 13, but nothing should detract from Dragon Pulse's victory.
A Group 2 winner with Jessica Harrington last season, the son of Kyllachy has only been with Delzangles for a couple of months. Benoist had to roust his mount when Dabirsim went clear, and got every assistance as the pair just got up to score by a short head.
"Gregory has ridden the perfect race, it's not easy to ride a waiting race off a slow pace," said Delzangles. "In the normal run of things we'll be back for the Poule d'Essai in four weeks."
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