Andre Fabre, Olivier Peslier and Enable's niece makes for the perfect recipe
Thursday: Saint-Cloud
Prix Rose de Mai (Listed) | 3yo fillies | 1m2f
French racing had been abuzz ever since declarations for the Prix Rose de Mai at the prospect of the old firm of Andre Fabre and Olivier Peslier reuniting, and Agave certainly played her part in making sure the occasion did not fall flat when surging clear of her Listed rivals.
Peslier rode 24 Group 1 winners for Fabre, mostly during their first spell together and including the small matter of back-to-back Arcs with Peintre Celebre and Sagamix.
With Pierre-Charles Boudot coming up to a year out of action, Maxime Guyon and Mickael Barzalona both under contract and Vincent Cheminaud now in the United States, Fabre called up his old ally, though the evergreen Peslier was doing his best to play down any talk of what the relationship might yield in the future.
"A long time ago I rode for him and had a lot of success," said Peslier. "The record books say 24 Group 1s. I'm very happy to ride today and to win the race. Winning is my job but he asked me to ride and we're 100 per cent so far so I hope he will ask again."
Enable was of course trained by John Gosden but both her dam Concentric and her grandam Apogee were in the care of Fabre, as was Agave's dam Contribution.
Peslier said: "I had hoped to be a bit closer but she took a little time to get balanced. She did it really nicely. She is a lovely filly and today she was very impressive after the last turn."
The Revenant returns
It was almost a surprise to read in the programme that The Revenant is only seven and there was certainly no sign of ageing as he bounded clear to record an impressive success in the Listed Prix Altipan under Christophe Soumillon.
Al Asayl's son of Dubawi enjoyed his finest hour when landing the 2020 QEII Stakes at Ascot and was making his first appearance since finishing fourth to Baaeed in the same race last October.
Trainer Francis Graffard said: "I thought he was quite impressive on ground that is not ideal for him because it's good ground today, but he's just a very good horse.
"I think he's fit and mentally he's matured and is much more relaxed than before. I was quite surprised and with these older horses you still want to see they want to do the job. It certainly looks like he does."
Graffard earmarked the Prix Edmond Blanc and the Prix d'Ispahan as likely spring targets.
Read more international stories:
French authorities comb racehorse owners for links to Russian oligarch money
Breeders' Cup star Yibir set to lead strong Appleby team on World Cup night
Blaze at Wesley Ward stable causes death of three horses including Ascot winner
Join Racing Post Members' Club for just £9.99 for your first month! Members' Club is the only subscription racing fans and punters need in order to stay informed and make smarter betting decisions. Features include early access to the Racing Post digital newspaper, exclusive news and interviews, premium tips and form study tools to assist with betting. Head to our subscription page here, select 'Get Ultimate Monthly' and enter code CHELT22!
Published on inInternational
Last updated
- Skyscraper betting and soaring turnover: Japan's mind-boggling racing experience and the unlikely hero who sparked the boom
- Oisin Murphy a man in demand as revitalised Summer Cup card gives South African racing a platform to build on
- Ben Cecil, Grade 1-winning trainer and nephew of Sir Henry, dies aged 56
- Oisin Murphy: 'Billy Loughnane is the most talented rider I have ever seen at his age'
- Turffontein Summer Cup: Oisin Murphy up against Michael Roberts-trained ace See It Again on first ride in South Africa
- Skyscraper betting and soaring turnover: Japan's mind-boggling racing experience and the unlikely hero who sparked the boom
- Oisin Murphy a man in demand as revitalised Summer Cup card gives South African racing a platform to build on
- Ben Cecil, Grade 1-winning trainer and nephew of Sir Henry, dies aged 56
- Oisin Murphy: 'Billy Loughnane is the most talented rider I have ever seen at his age'
- Turffontein Summer Cup: Oisin Murphy up against Michael Roberts-trained ace See It Again on first ride in South Africa