Garlingari has brought back memories of grand campaigner Cirrus Des Aigles and put his trainer Corine Barande-Barbe back in the spotlight with victory in the Prix Dollar at Chantilly.
Cirrus Des Aigles claimed the race Group Two race three times in a decorated career for Barande-Barbe.
The Chantilly trainer had rather slipped off the radar since the now-11-year-old’s retirement.
But she was re-energised at her local track on Saturday as Garlingari and Stephane Pasquier capably engineered the downfall of Subway Dancer by the shortest of necks.
“If you go to Cirrus’ Facebook page you will see that he sent Garlingari lots of kisses and good luck,” Barande-Barbe said.
“He is very tough and very genuine and is from a good family.
“He might go to Hong Kong, if he gets an invite.
“This is a perfect day. I’m very proud.”
Alain de Royer-Dupre was a little less effusive after Vazirabad won the Group One Prix du Cadran, but the veteran trainer was still deeply satisfied with the Aga Khan’s stayer.
From a visual perspective, the five-year-old gelding rarely sets the turf alight, but it was his fourth consecutive under Christophe Soumillon.
Royer-Dupre, who trained 2010 Melbourne Cup winner Americain, was convinced Vazirabad would have defeated Big Orange who was ruled out because of the unsuitable ground.
“That is him. He only does just enough, which is why he could have a long career,” he said.
“I think, in this kind of ground, it could be easier to have beaten Big Orange.
“Next year he could have two options – Ascot (Gold Cup) and Goodwood (Cup) – but it depends on how he is and what the ground is like.”
The second day of the Chantilly meeting features the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
