O'Neill has Goodwood in view as Cold Stare resists Serge

Friday: France, Saint-Cloud

Prix de Roland Chambure (Listed) 2yo | 7f

Archie Watson came close to saddling a winner with only his second runner in France but Ghost Serge was run down close home by the Eoghan O'Neill-trained Cold Stare under Fabrice Veron.

The winner was building on an easy debut success at Maisons-Laffitte and the Normandy-based O'Neill will now aim Cold Stare at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.

"It wasn't the plan to be that far back but he is smart and he can quicken," said O'Neill. "It was a good education for him because he had it his own way last time. He didn't jump as quick as he did first time, so Fabrice made a sensible decision to drop him in. He's a gelding so he will go to the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. He has a nice action so he'll handle the track there."

A sizeable contingent of the Champagne Charlies Racing Club were on hand to cheer home Ghost Serge, who came here off the back of conceding 7lb in winning a novice race at Catterick.

Representing the owners, Paul Brierly said: "We will look at the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot on King George day and then possibly something like the Vintage or the Acomb."

Marmelo best of Morrison pair as Talismanic strikes

Marmelo flew home to take second behind Talismanic at Saint-Cloud

Mickael Barzalona stole a decisive break on the field early in the Saint-Cloud straight and was able to steer Talismanic to success on his first start over 1m6f, breaking the track record in the process.

Both Barzalona and trainer Andre Fabre have previously spoken of the popularity in the yard of Talismanic, who has an almost completely white face.

Godolphin's Lisa-Jane Graffard said: "It's superb, he really deserves to win his Group race. He is the stable mascot. He showed a smart turn of foot and seemed to appreciate not having to lead. This shows he stays further than 2,400 metres [a mile and a half] and opens up new options."

Hughie Morrison was pleased with the efforts of second-placed Marmelo and last year's Cesarewitch winner Sweet Selection, who was sixth.

"Marmelo missed the break but ran a good race while Sweet Selection has run well but she needs a serious gallop and perhaps two miles plus," said Morrison.

Marmelo won a Group 3 at Chantilly over shy of two miles and was a close fifth over this 1m6f trip in the Yorkshire Cup.

Morrison has plenty of stayers to campaign and suggested the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay at the end of August - Marmelo is eligible for French premiums - would be a more likely destination than the Lonsdale Cup at York.

"The great thing about Deauville is it's flat," said Morrison. "The trouble is I've got three horses to run in it. I never thought he was going to win and the other one got first run but on softer ground it might have been different, although I'm told Talismanic likes a bit of cut too."

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