Tropbeau now 6-4 for French 1,000 Guineas after determined Prix de la Grotte win

The Andre Fabre-trained Tropbeau confirmed herself as the one to beat in next month's French 1,000 Guineas after a gutsy win in the Prix de la Grotte, the main Classic trial for fillies.

Leading fancy Khayzaraan set a steady pace up front but her challenge quickly faded as the strong-travelling Tropbeau took over and battled with Dream And Do and stablemate Tickle Me Green in the final two furlongs.

A tough finishing effort from Fabre's filly proved enough to hold off the challengers and she captured the Group 3 prize by half a length.

Betfair and Paddy Power shortened the daughter of Showcasing into 6-4 (from 5-2) for the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, scheduled to be run on June 1.

The victory gave France's 30-time champion trainer Fabre a first win since the return of racing and a timely boost after the disappointing defeat of Victor Ludorum earlier on the card.

Full result

Fabre said: "I was very happy with Tropbeau. She's a reliable filly and it looked a good test of her stamina. She kept going all the way to the end and still had something in hand, so it looks like she got the mile properly.

"Tickle Me Green ran a very nice race. She showed she has the speed for a mile. I had been hesitating whether to go further with her but now she'll probably go to the Poule d'Essai as well."

Jockey Mickael Barzalona completed a third consecutive win in the Prix de la Grotte and he will be hoping that Tropbeau can follow in the footsteps of last season's winner Castle Lady, who went on to Classic success after her trial win.

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