His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani-owned Aspetar and Pelligrina raced to two group wins in Chantilly yesterday.
In the Grand Prix de Chantilly (Group 2), ridden by James Doyle, Aspetar cantered on the outside led by Silverwave at a good pace. He then accelerated in the middle of the track before taking the advantage over the leaders 100m from the post. He showed real courage to come and take the best at the end of the race.
Bertrand Le Metayer, the owner’s representative, said, “It is the first generation bred by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa al-Thani at his French stud. On the paper, it wasn’t his ground, but he does it remarkably well. He got shines at three-year-olds and until now, he was better on soft ground. We have a share in Al Kazeem and he is out of his first crop and his dam is still young, so, it is good news. We are waiting to see with his trainer for the next steps in his programme.”
Winner of a Listed at three-year-olds, Aspetar finished second in the John Porter Stakes (Gr3) at Newbury in April, on good to soft ground. His last race was in the Prix d’Hédouville (Gr3), where he could not do better than fifth.
Shortly later, Pelligrina gave her owner a second Group victory, winning the Prix de Royaumont (Gr3) and stayed unbeaten in two runs.
Trained by Andre Fabre, Pelligrina cantered at the back of the field before finding her way through the others 350m from the post. Once in the opening, she left no chance to her rivals. Indeed, the closest filly was Malevra, two and a half lengths behind. Je Ne Regretterien completed the podium.
Pierre-Charles Boudot was riding Pelligrina. He said: “She did very well today. She was already very pleasing for her first steps in competition. She has a lot of stamina and the well-paced race helped her. She came very easily in front and slowed down a little. She is a very easy filly, who should continue to progress.”
Le Métayer added, “All the credit goes to Mr. Fabre who knew he could step her up like that. She has a good temperament. She is easy and relaxed. She has a lot of stamina also. It is a real success for us since she was bred at home.”