Deauville delight as Rouget unearths Classic contender for the Aga Khan

Wednesday: Deauville

Rajapour marked himself out as a potential Classic prospect for Jean-Claude Rouget and the Aga Khan after making it three wins from as many starts in the Listed Prix Isonomy at Deauville.

"I was nearly as nervous as if he'd been running in a Group 1 or another big race," Rouget said of the Almanzor colt, who settled matters between the two-furlong and the furlong pole when taking the measure of Bolshonikov. He joins La Cressonniere, Al Wukair and Duke Of Hazzard as recent winners of this race.

Rouget added: "He'll be put away now to be prepared for the Classics. I didn't want to go straight to Group 1 company with him although I think he would have run very well in the Criterium International."

Later on the Deauville card, Surrey Mist burst clear of his rivals under Ioritz Mendizabal in the Listed Prix Vulcain to give Kevin Philippart de Foy a first stakes success abroad in the Listed Prix Vulcain.

Haras de Colleville principal and co-owner Guy Pariente (black cap) joins the celebrations after Surrey Mist lands the Prix Vulcain at DeauvilleCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Mendizabal took an early decision not to let the race turn into a sit and sprint and, while the son of Kendargent seemed to enjoy the ease in the ground, an official penetrometer reading of 3.5 (soft) and a closing three furlongs comfortably under 36 seconds indicated the winner is far from short of pace at this extended mile and a half.

"He won well the last time at Windsor and knowing he stayed the trip well, we decided to try and get over to the rail and make it," Philippart de Foy said. "He has experience in those big-field handicaps at Royal Ascot and Goodwood where they go a good pace so we knew he was tough.

"It's good timing with the yearling sales taking place across the road and I'm delighted for Surrey Racing, who have only recently sent me the horse. Long may it continue."

Carini came from some way back to snatch second from Alpenblume, a half-brother to Arc heroine Alpinista.

Replays, results and analysis

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