Prix Robert Papin: Ramatuelle sets up shot at Prix Morny after Chantilly Group Two victory for former NBA star Tony Parker
Ramatuelle (1/2 favourite) beat His Majesty and Classic Flower to win Group Two Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly; the winner, owned by former NBA All-Star Tony Parker, to be aimed at Prix Morny next; Amy Murphy's Myconian back in fourth
Sunday 16 July 2023 16:42, UK
Ramatuelle looks another high-class performer for Christopher Head after the filly became the first French-trained winner of the Prix Robert Papin for 10 years.
The Group Two at Chantilly has been dominated by overseas raiders in recent years, with the likes of Tis Marvellous, Signora Cabello and Blackbeard all on the roll of honour.
This time though, it was all about Head's hugely-promising filly, who has won three of her four starts.
- Shaquille shines again to win July Cup after typical slow start
- City Of Troy stamps early Classic claims with Superlative stroll
Her only defeat came on her second outing when beaten by Beauvatier, a subsequent Listed winner who is now unbeaten in three.
She was always travelling very kindly in the hands of Aurelien Lemaitre and once asked to put the race to bed, there was never a question she was going to quicken away.
Amy Murphy's Myconian briefly threatened to get involved but it was Aidan O'Brien's His Majesty who stayed on for second, beaten four lengths.
It continues a great season for Head, who has enjoyed plenty of success with Blue Rose Cen and Big Rock already.
The winning filly is owned by a syndicate which includes former NBA star Tony Parker, who told Sky Sports Racing: "It was a great win and I'm very happy for the team. The coach has a plan and now it's on for the (Prix) Morny next month.
"She's at home here, that's her third win here and she's clearly comfortable here at Chantilly, hopefully it will be the same next month.
"She's super calm, it looks like she knows what she wants to do and she's loving it. Her number one quality is her calmness. She has a huge heart and huge talent.
"I just like to share everything with our team, we share the same passion."
Head said: "She was incredible, she loves the speed and she'll be going to the Morny for sure. I just can't wait to get to that race.
"I was not concerned about her being keen as there was nobody who wanted to go in front of her, she's capable of doing better than that, of course.
"She's pretty much like an older horse, it's a pleasure to see her in races behave this way."
Araminta is sweet winner for Candy in Prix Chloe
Henry Candy's Araminta took her record to three wins from just four outings when successful in the Prix Chloe.
Out of the Roger Charlton-trained sprinter Mince and by Gleneagles, she was beaten a length in a Listed race at Goodwood over a mile on just her second start and returned to the Sussex venue to win the Height Of Fashion Stakes last time out.
Upped to Group Three company in France, she took it in her stride. Settled in just behind the leaders by the veteran Gerald Mosse, she was pulled out to challenge two furlongs from home.
While she did not immediately put the race to bed and briefly looked vulnerable, the longer the race went on, the more her stride lengthened and she pulled away to beat Excellent Truth by a length and a quarter.
Candy said: "She just keeps improving. She's a lovely, big, scopey animal and she won really nicely today and she was very relaxed which was nice.
"Gerald asked me this morning 'does she lengthen or does she quicken' and I replied that she does both. She does lengthen but she does have a kick. She's a little unlucky to not be unbeaten.
"I think the Nassau will come a bit too quick but the entry is there. It does look a very good race this year and the best she could hope for would maybe be third or fourth.
"It might be best to give it a miss but I'll see what the boys want to do - I sound like Aidan O'Brien saying that but that is as close as I'll get to him!
"Looking at her pedigree, I can't see her getting an inch beyond 10 furlongs really - luckily she's very good at that, she's very exciting."
