Territories Goes Last to First in Jean Prat
Description:
Closing from off a swift early pace, Godolphin Racing's Territories completed a last-to-first rally to win the Prix Jean Prat (Fr-I) July 12 at Chantilly.
Ridden by Mickael Barzalona for trainer Andre Fabre, Territories improved to 3-2-2 from seven starts with his half-length triumph over Dutch Connection. The 3-year-old son of Invincible Spirit out of the Machiavellian mare Taranto was bred in Great Britain by Sheikh Mohammed's Darley. The colt is from the same family as Darley's deceased sire Street Cry.
Following in behind Dutch Connection as Aktabantay set a blistering pace, 13-10 favorite Territories moved with the runner-up when he powered past rivals and led with a furlong to run. Territories stayed right with Dutch Connection, who ultimately could not withstand his pressure and yielded late. Sir Andrew was third, six lengths back.
Territories covered 1,600 meters (about one mile) in 1:36.12 on good turf.
Sunday's win was Territories' first at the top level following his well-beaten second behind Gleneagles in the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-I) May 2 at Newmarket last time out. Prior to that, he won the Prix de Fontainebleau (Fr-III) April 12 at Longchamp. He closed his juvenile campaign there last October with a second to Full Mast in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere-Grand Criterium (Fr-I).
Godolphin's Lisa-Jane Graffard said Territories will remain at a mile and might be aimed for the Prix Jacques Le Marois (Fr-I) Aug. 16 at Deauville.