Americain took the first step towards a defence of his Melbourne Cup title with an impressive win in the Listed Prix de Reux at Deauville on Tuesday.
It marked a return to winning form for the seven-year-old who disappointed in Europe last campaign following his third to Mastery in the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2400m) in December.
Trained by Alain de Royer-Dupre and ridden by Gerald Mosse who partnered him to his Melbourne Cup triumph, Americain came off a three-month break to win the 2400-metre feature first-up.
“He was not happy in the (northern hemisphere) spring and it takes time to recover after crossing the world,” Royer-Dupre told the Racing Post.
“Americain is a seasonal horse who comes to his best at this time. The horse is now spot-on.
“Like last year, he will now go and try to win another Prix Kergorlay (August 21) and then go into quarantine.
“He may not have another race before the Melbourne Cup.”
Mosse was also pleased with Americain’s return and described him as one of the most impressive looking individuals he has seen.
“Americain is one of the best looking horses I have ever sat on and he is coming back to his best,” Mosse said.
“He picked up nicely after a flat spot.”
Americain has been entered for the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the Cox Plate (2040m) as a precaution in case Royer-Dupre feels he needs to race prior to the Melbourne Cup.
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