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Thursday, 17 September 2009 00:00 |
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A good flat performer, Sable des Dunes (Al Namix) won a B race in Nantes and made all fof his hurdling debut in the first lot of the €58,000 Prix Finot 3yo Beginners' Hurdle (L - 3,600m). Trained by Patrice Quinton, bred by his partner Patricia Lebocey, he left the AQPS horse Son Amix (AQPS-Fragrant Mix), who was impressive on his first run on the flat at Saint Malo, three lengths behind. Prospert le Grand (Enrique) was 3rd after galloping close to the leaders on the outside. The Guy Cherel-trained Taiikos (Take Risks) finished well.
Francois Doumen sees a return to the flat for second placed Son Amix, "He jumped a bit big but I am very pleased with his early runs. However we will take him back on the flat, maybe in the Prix du Bourbonnais (AQPS - 2600m at Maisons Laffitte, the 10th October)."
In the second lot of the Finot, just as in the first version (L - 3600m), the leading group dominated the race and the leader Surfing (AQPS - Califet) had the last word but he had to fend off a strong attack from Good Lord (Lord of Men) who went into overdrive too late to have decisive effect. Always in the frame, Darban (Kalanisi) kept 3rd place in front of Sous Officier (AQPS-Alberto Giacometti), who made headway on the bend and stayed on well.
Trainer of the winner, Guy Cherel, plans on taking his time with the ML Bloodstock bred horse: "He might go on holidays now; it will stop me from rushing him. His mother was good but she was crazy and I didn't persevere with her. She bred Noumea (Assessor), then Ocean Beach (Nononito, notably 4th in the Edmond Barrachin). This one here is maybe even better that that. Sous Officier needs to harden up but he is without a doubt a chaser." Cherel landed another hat trick courtesy of haflbred nutcase Rochdale (AQPS-Video Rock) who made all but jumped awkwardly in the €44,000 Prix Pierre Cypres Halfbred 4&5 Mares Hurdle (3,600m).
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