'We thought he had lots of ability' - upset win helps Fabre end Group 1 drought

Sunday: Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, Longchamp

A year is a long time without a Group 1 win in the world of Andre Fabre, and the legendary trainer was ending his lengthiest drought between top-level wins for more than a decade when Belbek caused an upset in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

It was on this card 12 months ago that Fabre last won at the highest level with Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Zellie, but his winner to kick off Arc day 2022 was much more of a surprise, returning at big odds under Mickael Barzalona.

Belbek had looked a high-quality prospect when landing the Group 3 Prix du Bois at Chantilly in June, but the wheels had fallen off when safely held in races won by Ballydoyle raiders Blackbeard and The Antarctic on his next two starts.

However, stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time brought out a career-best from the Nurlan Bizakov homebred, and Fabre is now even considering a tilt at the Group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy over a mile.

"We always thought he had lots of ability but he didn't find the right conditions," said Fabre, who was winning the Lagardere for a sixth time.

Belbek (centre) could now head for the Vertem Futurity at DoncasterCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He failed to settle last time [in the Group 3 Prix de Cabourg] but, with softer ground and a better pace, he settled better here. He's a good-looking, well-bred colt – he's a good horse."

Asked whether he felt the son of Showcasing could stay a mile, Fabre said: "This was the question mark but we will think about Doncaster next, or something like that. We'll see how he comes out of this first."

Paddy Power introduced Belbek at 12-1 for the Doncaster Group 1 on October 22, although the winner will need to be supplemented at a cost of £17,500.

Delivered beautifully by Barzalona, Belbek got up in the nick of time to win by a neck to deny a spirited effort from Gamestop, who reversed the form of his previous third in the Prix la Rochette behind Tigrais, who was sixth here, and Breizh Sky, who finished third.

Gamestop's trainer Christophe Ferland said: "He's run a wonderful race and he's a colt I've always loved. I think that's him done for the year. I don't think he would stay the mile of the Criterium International."

The race lost some of its lustre when The Antarctic was withdrawn through a veterinary certificate, while favourite Shartash, trained by Johnny Murtagh, could not land a telling blow and was beaten two and a half lengths in fourth.

Shartash's jockey Ben Coen said: "It was a little bit disappointing. He did a bit too much with me early on. Seven furlongs might have stretched him on the day."

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