Gyllen and Barzalona outbattle Crossed Baton to headline Godolphin double
Prix Eugene Adam (Group 2) 3yo | 1m2½f
Gyllen and Mickael Barzalona proved too tough to pass as the pair held off a determined challenge from the John Gosden-trained Crossed Baton to win the Prix Eugene Adam at Maisons-Laffitte on Sunday.
Louis D'Or fought on to finish third – just as he had done in the Prix du Jockey Club – but never looked like getting to the principals, while Native American sadly suffered a fatal injury to his off foreleg inside the final furlong.
The Godolphin-owned Gyllen was one of two horses supplemented on Thursday and trainer Andre Fabre will now have to aim higher than he might originally have expected with the son of Medaglia d'Oro, who was last seen finishing a distant fourth on deep ground in the Prix Noailles in April.
"He's a nice horse with a big heart and had the ideal trip, saving ground round the bend," said Fabre.
"He's not a bad horse and won his Listed race in good style. The Prix Guillaume d'Ornano is the only race for him in August where he won't have a penalty. The Grand Prix de Deauville was my original plan, but winning changes that."
Crossed Baton appeared to have no excuses and Lord Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Khalid Abdullah, was not looking for any afterwards.
"He's run a nice race, getting in a rhythm and he just hasn't quite been able to finish it off," said Grimthorpe. "We might look at a bit further as he ran to the line, so an easy mile and a half might suit him."
Prix Ris-Orangis (Group 3) 3yo+ | 6f
Inns Of Court completed doubles for Fabre, Barzalona and Godolphin in showing impressive acceleration to burn off his rivals on a first start dropped back to six furlongs, having come within a short head of winning last season's Prix Jacques le Marois over a mile.
"He nearly gets a mile which is why I decided to come back [in trip]," said Fabre. "Now that he's four he's stronger, and he'll have the Prix Maurice de Gheest as a target."
King's Stand fourth Finsbury Square was declared a non-runner with the ground on the fast side, while King Malpic was best of the rest, two lengths back in second.
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Published on 15 July 2018inInternational
Last updated 15:59, 15 July 2018
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