Galikova Vermeille queen

Half-sister maintains family honour with taking success

Last updated: 11th September 2011   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Olivier Peslier Goldikova Royal Ascot

Peslier: Partnered Galikova to victory

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Galikova was a very taking winner of the Qatar Prix Vermeille at Longchamp.

A Galileo half-sister to the brilliant Goldikova, there had been concerns the testing ground would be an issue but she made light of the underfoot conditions.

Shareta tried to make all under Christophe Lemaire and kicked off the final turn. At that stage Galikova got a couple of reminders from Olivier Peslier but soon engaged top gear to sweep to the front and win well.

Testosterone came through to snatch second from Shareta while Aidan O'Brien's Wonder Of Wonders folded tamely after racing in second until the closing stages.

Head said of his two-and-a-half-length winner: "I am very happy. I liked the way she finished, she was flying at the end.

"There was no pace, but Olivier liked her better than at Deauville.

"She'll stay in training next year and we'll go for the Arc if all goes well."

Sky Bet cut the winner to 7s from 10s for the Arc.