Sosie and Candelari Shine at the Top Level at ParisLongchamp

Sosie Takes the Prix d’Ispahan, Candelari Captures Upgraded G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier

Sosie Establishes Himself as France’s Top Stayer / FRANCE GALLOP

PARÍS, Francia (Special for Turf Diario).- A high-quality Sunday card at ParisLongchamp offered a preview of what could unfold in the second half of the European season, with a trio of stakes races headlined by the G1 Prix d’Ispahan and the newly promoted G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier. Meanwhile, the G3 Prix du Palais-Royal served as a key prep toward Royal Ascot.

Top billing went to Sosie (Sea the Stars), who backed up his emphatic Prix Ganay (G1) score with another classy display, this time over 1850 meters in the Prix d’Ispahan. With Maxime Guyon once again aboard, the Wertheimer & Frèrehomebred dispatched British raider Sardinian Warrior (Saxon Warrior) with authority, further solidifying his credentials for the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on October 5.

“There was a bit of uncertainty about whether Sosie would show the same turn of foot over this shorter trip,” said Pierre-Yves Bureau, racing manager for the Wertheimer operation. “But Maxime had him in the perfect spot, and he was very impressive. I think he’s just very, very good. He’s physically mature now and looks magnificent. He comes from a staying pedigree, but his dam was more of a miler.”

Newly upgraded to top-level status, the G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier saw the progressive Candelari (Frankel) register his first Group 1 success for His Highness the Aga Khan and trainer Francis-Henri Graffard.

With regular rider Mickaël Barzalona serving a suspension, it was Clément Lecoeuvre who seized the opportunity and made the most of it, piloting the colt to his first G1 victory in France, having already tasted success at that level in Germany.

The undercard featured a strong performance from Topgear (Wootton Bassett), who returned to winning form in the G3 Prix du Palais-Royal for owner Hisaaki Saito and trainer Christopher Head. Connections now have their sights set on Royal Ascot, where the versatile runner is expected to cut back in trip for a clash with the top British sprinters in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes over 1200 meters.