French sprinter throws down major marker for Royal Ascot and cut to 9-1 from 12 after dominant Chantilly success

Lazzat made a decent set of Listed rivals look wildly inferior when sweeping to success in the Prix Sevanne over six furlongs, confirming that his Royal Ascot target will be the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. 

Last season's Prix Maurice de Gheest star had been tried over seven and a half furlongs and a mile in his three most recent starts but it will back at a sprinting trip for the final day feature of the royal meeting where British racegoers get their first sight of Lazzat after he was cut to 9-1 (from 12) for the Jubilee by Coral.

Cristian Demuro coasted along in front before letting the favourite open up in the final two furlongs to run out the winner by five and a half lengths, while his closest pursuer, the Clive Cox-trained James's Delight, paid for his efforts and faded to fifth.

"When he won the Maurice de Gheest [over six-and-a-half furlongs] it was his best performance at three, and it was also the shortest trip he ran over," said a delighted Jerome Reynier. "After that we had a go at the Golden Eagle over 1,500 metres [seven-and-a-half furlongs] and although he was under pressure the whole way and it was probably a bit far, he was only beaten in the final stride.

"We know he's a very good 'flyer' but there are not many opportunities over seven furlongs, so we'll specialise at this trip where there is a real programme for him to follow. 

"He could go straight to Royal Ascot for the Jubilee and then we'd think about races like the July Cup, the Maurice de Gheest and the Haydock Sprint Cup. The only race over further I'd be tempted by now would be the Breeders' Cup Mile."

Derby dreams

You have to go back to 2013 and the victory of Intello for the last time the Wertheimer family triumphed in the Prix du Jockey Club but the famous blue and white silks look likely to be a force in this year's edition of the French Derby after Nitoi landed the Listed Prix de Suresnes. 

The win took the Siyouni colt's tally to two wins form three starts and the Wertheimers can take great heart from the fact that the only horse to beat him is their own Prix Noailles winner Uther.

Nitoi and Maxime Guyon return after winning the Prix de SuresnesCredit: Racing Post/Burton

Given an uncomplicated ride by Maxime Guyon, who tracked what appeared a generous pace set by Christophe Soumillon on Juwelier, Nitoi was able to repel the challenge of Leffard to win by a short neck.

"Maxime liked him a lot when he won his only race at two and it was a good comeback run the other day, considering we're also very keen on Uther," said Wertheimer racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureau. 

"He showed today that he's tough and I loved his fighting spirit. We'll see down the line but I think it was quite a decent field and the extra 100 metres in the Jockey Club won't bother him. 

"I'm sure in time he'll get 2,400 metres [a mile and a half] like his half-brother Junko, but for now it's great that he has shown he can be competitive at this trip."

Read more:

Cosmic Year installed as 5-2 favourite for Irish 2,000 Guineas after stylish win in the King Charles II Stakes 

Kieran Shoemark prepares for ride on 2,000 Guineas favourite with Listed win on stablemate Shaha 

Red-hot Karl Burke continues two-year-old streak as Meelaf emerges as possible Royal Ascot candidate 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.