Star of Seville wins the French Oaks before a big crowd at Chantilly
PICTURE: Scoop Dyga
Dettori and Gosden star with Seville in Diane
Report: France, Sunday
Chantilly: Prix de Diane Longines (Group 1) 1m2½f 3yo fillies
THE golden summer for Frankie Dettori and John Gosden continued at Chantilly on Sunday as Star Of Seville triumphed under a well-judged ride.
Just over a week after combining to win the Investec Derby with Golden Horn, Dettori and Gosden were again celebrating Classic success as Star Of Seville held off the late challenge of the supplemented Physiocrate.
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High on confidence after his Epsom triumph eight days ago, Dettori was in no mood to let his wide draw of 15 in a 17-runner field hamper his chances and was positive from the off, holding a prominent position away from the main group as pacemaker Clarmina was rushed up to lead.
Dettori continued to hold his position away from the pack before moving across to track the leader, gaining a dominant advantage over unbeaten favourite Queen’s Jewel, who raced in the middle of the field having been housed widest of all in stall 17.
Turning for home, Star Of Seville, who had been among those that suffered interference in the closing stages of the Investec Oaks nine days ago, was travelling smoothly for Dettori and he seized the initiative as Clarmina dropped away, kicking clear on his mount with two furlongs remaining.
The challenge from the pack was late in coming with only Physiocrate making up any significant ground to reward her enterprising connections with a second place.
Gosden, who saddled the winner for owner Lady Bamford, became the first British trainer to win the Prix de Diane since Sir Mark Prescott claimed the race with Confidential Lady in 2006.
He said: “I walked the course this morning with the jockey and [owner's] racing manager and we made a plan. They never come off, except this one did. I’ve always dreamed of winning this race.”
Ecstatic: Frankie Dettori lifts his Prix de Diane trophy
PICTURE: Scoop Dyga
Dettori added: “It’s just like 2007, when I won the Derby and then the Prix de Diane. To do it twice is unbelievable.
“She is such a strong filly and she loves this ground and this trip. She is such a strong filly and she loves this ground and this trip. She won well and I’m delighted.
“John should get all the credit, to back up a horse to win the Prix de Diane after running in the Oaks. A few of my friends were raising their eyebrows but he has done it.”
Third place was filled by Little Nightingale, who made up good ground from the rear on the field, while favourite Queen’s Jewel weakened having had every chance in the straight.
fonte : RacingPost