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Watch Me lands Imprudence but Suphala remains in the picture for both Guineas

Watch Me (pale jacket) edges ahead of Suphala to win the Prix Imprudence at Maisons-Laffitte
Watch Me (pale jacket) edges ahead of Suphala to win the Prix Imprudence at Maisons-LaffitteCredit: Edward Whitaker

Watch Me made it two wins from three starts for Francis Graffard in the Group 3 Prix Imprudence at Maisons-Laffitte on Wednesday, but Lady Bamford's runner-up Suphala remains a candidate for the Qipco 1,000 Guineas or French equivalent at Longchamp.

Christophe Soumillon burst through aboard Watch Me to claim what looked a decisive advantage, but Suphala, having been momentarily tapped for toe, fought back well to be just a short neck down at the line in a race from which horses like Hatoof, Special Duty and Miss France have all been beaten before winning at Newmarket.

Andre Fabre will take his time before choosing which Classic to aim for with Suphala, but Hugo Lascelles, racing manager to Lady Bamford, believes there is plenty to come from the daughter of Frankel.

"She's having a good blow so we're very pleased," said Lascelles. "She'll go for the French or English Guineas. We think an extra furlong will suit and we’re encouraged.

"If you look today she's still very backward in her coat, but I think her coat is turning now and she’ll improve a bit."

Longchamp and the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches on May 12 will definitely be the aim for Watch Me, who made a very pleasing return to action.

Graffard said: "They went quite quick and settled well. She's out of a Galileo mare and she's a very straightforward filly, so I don't think she'll have a problem staying the extra distance."

Munitions edges Graignes in Djebel

There was a fair wait on the outcome of a stewards' inquiry after the Prix Imprudence, but the wait was eclipsed half an hour later when the judge took an age to separate Munitions and Graignes.

Eventually the verdict went to Godolphin's Munitions, despite jockey Mickael Barzalona feeling he had been beaten by the late thrust of his rival.

The son of War Front rounded off his two-year-old campaign over sprint distances and once again trainer Andre Fabre will want to see how the cards fall from other trials before committing Munitions to the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.

Godolphin's Lisa-Jane Graffard said: "He's still unbeaten at Maisons-Laffitte. He's a bit workmanlike in his wins but has shown he stands up to training and running well, so hopefully now he's ready to go into battle.

Munitions (blue silks) just resists the challenge of Graignes to land the Prix Djebel at Maisons-laffitte
Munitions (blue silks) just resists the challenge of Graignes to land the Prix Djebel at Maisons-laffitteCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We need to see the other trial races and there'd be a question mark over stepping him up to a mile, so we'll see how he comes out of the race."

Trainer Yann Barberot set Graignes some stiff targets last year, notably when chasing home Royal Meeting and Hermosa in the Criterium International.

"He was a bit fresh and pulled hard early, while he wasn't 100 per cent today so I was delighted with that as a comeback," said Barberot.

"He'll definitely go for the Poules, and having handled seven furlongs on soft ground last year, I think he'll stay."

Menuisier makes winning trip home

The blue and white silks of Clive Washbourn went around the world last year with Thundering Blue and trainer David Menuisier, who may have found another flagbearer in Danceteria, who ran down Mer Et Nuages to land the Listed Prix Jacques Laffitte.

"In Britain he can get a little bit overrun if they go fast early but he has a great stride and I think he's a proper Group horse," said Menuisier, who has brought Danceteria up through the handicap ranks.

Thundering Blue and Fran Berry win the Stockholm Cup International from Crowned Eagle and Our Last Summer
The blue and white silks of Clive Washbourn on Thundering Blue winning the Stockholm Cup last yearCredit: Steve Cargill

"I think he did something quite special there because he wasn't 100 per cent fit and the trip was a bit short as well. I couldn't see him finding a gap, but when he found it he really quickened."

Mer Et Nuages was very impressive in three wins last spring before injury curtailed his season and he showed he still has plenty to offer, especially allowing for his 4lb penalty.


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Scott BurtonFrance correspondent

Published on 10 April 2019inInternational

Last updated 18:57, 10 April 2019

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