Super mare Goldikova got her 2011 season off to a winning start in the Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp.
The Freddie Head-trained Goldikova was last seen claiming a third Breeders’ Cup Mile and set herself up for another trip to Royal Ascot by striking at the highest level for an astonishing 13th time.
Olivier Peslier was made to work hard on the six-year-old as her stamina began to slightly ebb over the nine-furlong (1800m) trip.
But she still had just enough in reserve to hold off the determined challenger Cirrus Des Aigles.
Peslier settled the brilliant Goldikova right behind her pacemaker Flash Dance with British raiders Dick Turpin and Ransom Note in mid-division.
Goldikova was kicked a couple of lengths clear by Peslier approaching the furlong (200m) pole as Cirrus Des Aigles and Byword made ground from the rear.
While she was always holding her challengers, there did not appear to be much left in the tank at the finishing line.
However she can be expected to improve a good deal for the run given her main aim this year is another trip to America in November.
“Everything is great about Goldikova,” Head said.
“She has everything: a great stride, a great temperament, a great physique and great courage.
“It was her seasonal reappearance over a trip that is really the end of the world for her, but she didn’t disappoint us.
“As to her next start, I don’t want to say anything yet.
“All options are open, but I want to see how she comes out of this race and will discuss it with her owners.”
PA AAP TURF
