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'He worked so well' - Atzeni snapped up for French raider in Jersey Stakes

Andrea Atzeni will be searching for more Royal Ascot success aboard Fast Raaj in the Jersey Stakes
Andrea Atzeni will be searching for more Royal Ascot success aboard Fast Raaj in the Jersey StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

A blistering piece of work up the Deauville straight last week convinced trainer Yann Barberot that Fast Raaj should head to the Jersey Stakes (3.05 Saturday), and he wasted little time in securing the services of Andrea Atzeni for what will be his first runner at the royal meeting.

Gregory Benoist was aboard when Fast Raaj put himself in the picture for a crack at the Poule d'Essai des Poulains with an impressive turn of foot in the Prix Djebel.

But having skipped that temptation because of soft ground and with current quarantine restrictions effectively ruling out any French jockey riding at Ascot just 24 hours before the Prix de Diane, Barberot felt there was no time to waste in picking his pilot for Saturday's contest.

"Once he worked so well last Tuesday I decided we'd go and I wanted to reserve a jockey straight away," said Barberot. "I contacted the top four or five jockeys in Britain and while a couple already had commitments to their bosses, Andrea said yes straight away. I love his way of riding and the way he positions himself on a horse."

Fast Raaj came from last to first in the Djebel on his preferred quick surface and the straight seven furlongs at Ascot was an added attraction for Barberot.

"My preference was not necessarily to stretch him out in trip and I'd rather stay on a straight track," said Barberot. "Unfortunately that doesn't leave you with many options in France after the Djebel.

"If we'd had quick ground for the Poule d'Essai he would probably have run but with soft going and the chance of getting a poor draw in a big field, Longchamp could have been difficult.

"The Haras d'Etreham Prix Jean Prat is his major objective but I wouldn't be sending him over to give him a quiet run. He worked really well last week and although he will have to carry a penalty for having already won a Group 3, it's Ascot and if you have a chance to win at the meeting, you take it."

Yann Barberot will have his first Royal Ascot runner when Fast Raaj heads for the Jersey Stakes next Saturda
Yann Barberot will have his first Royal Ascot runner when Fast Raaj heads for the Jersey Stakes next SaturdaCredit: Zuzanna Lupa

Barberot added: "He is in really good shape and it has made me feel I made the right choice because he has really come to himself in the last fortnight. It's a long season and there is the Jean Prat and then later on the Foret at Longchamp on Arc weekend."

Like many trainers from continental Europe contemplating the extended quarantine required of staff, Barberot is entrusting Fast Raaj to friendly faces in Britain once he arrives, with the same team in Newmarket who looked after The Revenant before his QEII win last October taking charge.


Read more on Royal Ascot 2021:

The six jockeys and trainers who could enjoy a Royal Ascot breakthrough

The must-watch race on each of the five days at Royal Ascot

Dettori adds to strong hand as he guns for third straight Royal Ascot crown

The Punting Club Royal Ascot special: 'She's my best – and only – bet in a two-year-old race'

'Surely 5-2 is a joke?' – the claims of six Royal Ascot favourites assessed


Check out the Racing Post Royal Ascot microsite for the latest tips and odds for the royal meeting. The best Royal Ascot betting advice and exclusive free betting offers all in one place.


Scott BurtonFrance correspondent

Published on 13 June 2021inNews

Last updated 21:44, 13 June 2021

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