Kew Gardens caps great day for Ballydoyle and now has King George on agenda

Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Group 1) 3yo colts & fillies | 1m4f

Kew Gardens capped a splendid day for Ballydoyle by winning the Group 1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Saturday evening, fending off the persistent challenge of Neufbosc to justify favouritism.

Winner of the Queen's Vase over a longer trip at Royal Ascot the previous month, Kew Gardens travelled well into the straight and quickened into the lead over a furlong out.

Neufbosc fought back well but was three-quarters of a length adrift at the line. The winner's stablemate Nelson made the running but faded to finish fifth of the six runners, with the Mark Johnston-trained Derby runner-up Dee Ex Bee third and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Downdraft bringing up the rear.

Kew Gardens was cut to 4-1 (from 5) favourite by the sponsor for the William Hill St Leger, but there is a more immediate goal, as his trainer explained.

Aidan O'Brien said: "We came here with the view that we might go back to the King George and that's why we wanted to go back to a mile and a half with him. Ryan took his time with him and rode him for a bit of pace and he quickened up well so we're delighted with him."

O’Brien, earlier successful in the July Cup at Newmarket with US Navy Flag, added: "Ryan was really pleased with him. He’s a lovely-moving horse, and Ryan rode him quietly with the intention of finishing with pace.

"He is a beautiful-moving horse, he handles good ground, he's brave and he's in a good place. It's very special and credit to everybody, it's a big team effort."

Clearly moved at having come so close with Neufbosc, Pia Brandt said: "We saw the real Neufbosc today and it is for moments like this I get up in the morning. For a moment I believed it could happen but there is no disappointment because he gave everything. He will be put away for the Prix Niel and then prepared for the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe."

Dee Ex Bee was once again unable to match his Epsom heroics, though he did regain third place after looking outpaced at the top of the straight.

"He's run OK but he was never really travelling at any stage and was always behind the bridle," said assistant trainer Charlie Johnston. "This is obviously the bare minimum trip and he might improve for a step up in trip but I think he's better than that and he might be feeling three Group 1s on fast ground."

Prix Maurice de Nieuil (Group 2) 4yo+ | 1m6f

Earlier, British raiders Marmelo and Algometer fought out the finish to the Group 2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil.

The Hughie Morrison-trained Marmelo plugged on gamely under Christophe Soumillon to repel the Moore-ridden Algometer, although he edged left and interfered with Algometer, prompting a stewards’ inquiry.

He kept the race and was cut to 16-1 co-favourite (from 25) for the Melbourne Cup by Coral, along with two other British-trained horses in Withhold and Magic Circle.

Edward Goodwin, owner-breeder of Marmelo, who had finished second in the same race 12 months earlier, when it had been run at Saint-Cloud, said: "In all probability the Melbourne Cup is on the cards and, unlike last year, we wouldn't run in Australia before the big day.

"We could come back to France for the Prix Kergorlay but Hughie is seriously considering the Ebor."

Soumillon had earlier won the Listed Prix de Thiberville on Zarkamiya, the daughter of Frankel and Zarkava described by her jockey as "one of the nicest-bred fillies in the world".

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