3 minute read
Jerome Reynier has some lofty targets both on home soil and across the Channel for his impressive Prix Djebel winner Lazzat.
Unbeaten in three starts over seven and a half furlongs at Cagnes-sur-Mer this year, Lazzat was sent off the well-backed 4/6 market leader to make it the perfect four from four in the Deauville Group 3.
The gelded son of Territories travelled powerfully on the front end under regular rider Antonio Orani, before quacking clear in the manner of a useful prospect to score from the Aga Khan-owned Keran by two-and-a-half-lengths.
David Menuisier's Group 1 Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes runner-up Devil's Point finished a further five lengths behind in third.
"It was a change of scenery with a seven-furlong straight course, and he didn't mind it at all," said Reynier.
"He doesn't need anyone, today he went in front and off he goes. He won in good style and the time was much faster than the fillies (in the Prix Impudence).
"He came back, and he was not even blowing at all, he's got plenty left in the tank. He's a very exciting prospect for this year."
Jerome Reynier has already had international success on the biggest stage this season courtesy of Facteur Cheval's narrow victory in the Dubai Turf late last month, and the Marseilles-based trainer is eyeing up further foreign voyages with his latest potential star.
"There are two Group Threes, either the Prix Paul de Moussac at Longchamp in early June or Royal Ascot for the Jersey Stakes," explained Reynier.
"We will see depending on the opposition for the Group race in Paris, because he's got the French premiums it could be easier to keep him in France and try the easiest option with him.
"He is a gelding, and we will see afterwards what we can do, we would be very excited to send him to Goodwood for the Sussex.
"We have Facteur Cheval aiming for the race as well, so we're going to be like a French invasion coming across the Channel!"
Earlier on the card, the Charlie Appleby-trained Romantic Style booked her spot in the French Guineas following a snug half-length success over last year's Group 1 Prix Morny runner-up Ramatuelle, who was sent off an even-money chance to make a winning seasonal reappearance.
"I'm delighted, she's a filly that we'd spoken about for this race for a while," Appleby told Sky Sports Racing.
"Stepping up to a mile will be her maximum trip and we felt that if we had stayed at home and gone to Newbury for an English trial it would have been closer to an English Guineas, but I don't think she'll stay a mile over the English trip at Newmarket.
"We thought we'd be better coming here, and it gives her more time between now and the French Guineas.
"William was delighted, said she was fresh but travelled sweetly in his hands.
"She did it all the right way round, she did travel but she travelled sensibly in behind a horse there and when she picked up, I always felt they were going to be doing enough to stay in front.
"She's a filly that's got a natural pace in her pedigree, but she does give herself a chance to stay a mile. Coming back for the French Guineas will be our aim and that will probably be her maximum trip."
