Magnificent Treve Triumphs at Saint-Cloud
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Dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) winner Treve is on course for a third bid to win Europe's premier middle distance race after digging in to capture the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-I) June 28.
Sheikh Joaan's 5-year-old Motivator mare was the headliner entering the race and lived up to her star billing when she snatched a victory from Juddmonte's group I winner Flintshire, with the Aga Khan's Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-I) victress Dolniya third. Flintshire made the lead a quarter mile out, but eventually Treve found another gear when called upon and won by 1 1/4 lengths.
"She won very easily. She just needed a little tap to make her go," trainer Criquette Head-Maarek told England's Press Association.
In covering the 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) on good turf in 2:27.59, Treve won for the second time in as many starts this season; she also took the Prix Corrida (Fr-II) May 29 for trainer Criquette Head-Maarek. Regular rider Thierry Jarnet was aboard for Sunday's victory.
Treve was keen to race early on before Jarnet settled in her fourth. Stablemate Altaira dictated the tempo and then went wide into the stretch with Jerome Claudic, making way for Treve's run. Flintshire, cruising comfortably along the rail with Vincent Chaminaud, gained command when Altaira faded, but Treve was in pursuit over a furlong out and gradually wore him down before blowing by the final 150 yards with urging from Jarnet.
Treve captured the 2013 Arc and was retired after her second Arc win last October. A mating with Dubawi was planned and then shelved when her connections decided to bid for a historic third Arc win in Oct. 4 at Longchamp.
If all goes according to plan, Treve have some time off, then will prep for the Arc in the Prix Vermeille (Fr-I) Sept. 13.
Treve tallied a fifth victory at the top level Sunday and improve her career line to 8-1-0 from 10 starts.
"That was really exciting," Sheikh Joaan's racing adviser Harry Herbert said. "It just shows she's as good as ever or better than ever because it was a very impressive performance on ground that was certainly quicker than ideal.
"She was a little bit free, but Thierry got her beautifully settled and she's just a champion."