Mkfancy Speeds to Upset Win in Criterium de Saint-Cloud

The frontrunning Mkfancy sprung a surprise when running out an impressive winner of the Oct. 26 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (G1), with Aidan O'Brien having to settle for second and third.

It was the first venture into group company for the Pia Brandt-trained Mkfancy, who, despite the soft conditions, pulled three lengths clear of Arthur's Kingdom and Mythical.

The winning trainer told Sky Sports Racing: "He's homebred, and it's a great feeling. We thought there was going to be a stronger pace, but he did all the work himself and Theo (Bachelot) had confidence in the horse."

The Makfi colt shedded his maiden tag when winning at the track last month, and he was a first group 1 winner in France for Bachelot, who has also partnered the useful Called To The Bar to group 2 success this year. 

Owned by Abdullah Al Maddah, Mkfancy followed in the footsteps of Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) winner Waldgeist, who landed the 10-furlong contest in 2016.

The Summit, the 11-8 favorite, could only finish fifth, and the Andrew Balding-trained Via de Vega was a place behind in sixth. 

Mkfancy was bred in France by 3 0 Marbat and is only the second foal out of the Mutathir mare Fancy Green. His sire, Makfi, was a European champion and classic winner. From six crops of racing age, Makfi has sired four champions including Bonneval, two-time Horse of the Year in New Zealand.