Talismanic Scores Easily in Return to Racing

Godolphin's Talismanic recorded an impressive success in the Aug. 15 Prix Gontaut-Biron (G3) over 10 furlongs on turf at Deauville, his first start since the end of March.

The Andre Fabre-trained 5-year-old settled in fourth with jockey Mickael Barzalona as Subway Dancer dictated the pace. He traveled well into the straight and made smooth headway to second before taking the lead with over a furlong and a half remaining, and soon after the son of Medaglia d'Oro  pulled clear. He was eased down for a two-length score over Subway Dancer in a winning time of 2:09.72 on ground described as good to soft.

It was Talismanic's first appearance since he came home ninth in the March 31 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) over 10 furlongs on dirt at Meydan. He captured the 2017 Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) over 12 furlongs at Del Mar in November.

"It was brilliant to see Talismanic win today," Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said. "He is still as happy as ever to be racing. He came into today's race off of a long break and is a horse who needs a bit of readying for his races. He is very laid back and has such a great temperament.

"Depending on how he comes out of today's race, Mr. Fabre is looking now at the Prix Foy (a 1 1/2-mile group 2 at Longchamp Sept. 16) followed by the (Oct. 7 Qatar) Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1)."