Having shown plenty of promise on her debut last month, the Al Shaqab Racing-owned Jouza proved toughest when taking the Prix Du Rond Alicante at Chantilly on Saturday.
Trained in Chantilly by Henri-François Devin, the two-year-old filly was narrowly beaten when finishing third last month over 1,800m. Dropped back down to 1,600m here, Jouza showed a determined attitude to get off the mark on only her second start, under jockey Clement Lecoeuvre.
Breaking well from the stalls, Jouza was settled behind early leader Miss Sham. Despite a strong pace, Jouza was keen on occasion and took the turn for home firmly on the bridle. Once in the straight, Miss Sham began to fade, resulting in Jouza being momentarily boxed in by Thessalia and Stormania who made strong runs down the outside. When the gap appeared inside the final 200m, Jouza was angled out and quickly closed on the leaders. Head-to-head with Sweetheart on the run to the line, Jouza stuck on gamely to win by a short head at the line. Long Road Ridge finished three quarters of a length back in third.
Bred by her owners Al Shaqab Racing, Jouza is by Haras de Bouquetot’s Toronado. Her dam Rasmiya was unraced but is a sister to black-type performers Above Average, Group 3 winner Sent From Heaven, Listed winner Freyja and Grandukeoftuscany.