Ryan Moore and Novellist land Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
Cirrus Des Aigles was well-beaten as the Andreas Wohler-trained Novellist grabbed the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud.
Last Updated: 23/06/13 8:23pm
The seven-year-old Cirrus Des Aigles was making his first appearance since chasing home the brilliant Frankel in the Champion Stakes last October and travelled smartly towards the head of affairs under Olivier Peslier.
Moore ranged up to challenge Corine Barande-Barbe's stable star on the Andreas Wohler-trained Novellist at the top of the home straight, and it was soon evident the German runner had won the argument.
The 7-2 shot galloped all the way to the line to beat the admirable Dunaden, with Haya Landa in third.
The only British runner in the field was Ed Dunlop's Joshua Tree, but he finished a long way back under Frankie Dettori.
Wohler said Novellist will run in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, for which he was cut to around the 6-1 mark, at Ascot on July 27.
He said: "That was great. He had a perfect run round and Ryan even said he got to the front a little bit too soon.
"Even though he was in front sooner than he wanted to be, he finished well and we are very happy. If he is OK and everything goes well, hopefully he will run in the King George at Ascot."
David Redvers, racing manager for Dunaden's owners Pearl Bloodstock, was delighted with the effort of the runner-up.
He tweeted: "Very proud of Dunaden again today who will be given a break before an autumn campaign culminating with the Arc. Lovely to see."Cirrus Des Aigles is officially the highest-rated horse in the world following the retirement of his Ascot conqueror Frankel.
His return to action has been delayed after he suffered a setback, but he was still an even-money favourite to make a winning return to action.
Although he moved sweetly for much of the journey, the mile and a half appeared to stretch his stamina and he faded inside the final furlong.
The globetrotting Dunaden, winner of a Melbourne Cup, a Caulfield Cup and a Hong Kong Vase, was a fine second to St Nicholas Abbey in the Coronation Cup at Epsom on his previous outing.
He again ran his usual solid race to fill the runner-up for trainer Mikel Delzangles and jockey Jamie Spencer.
The only British runner in the field was Ed Dunlop's Joshua Tree, but he finished a long way back under Frankie Dettori.