Melbourne Cup winner Americain has finished a creditable sixth in a 3100 metre race in France after being held up for a run in the straight.
The Listed Prix Right Royal won by Kasbah Bliss was Americain’s first start since he finished third in the Hong Kong Vase in December after his Melbourne Cup win.
The Racing Post reported Americain was well up on the rail, but had little room to challenge in the straight before taking a respectable sixth place.
Trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre said Americain would not run in the Ascot Gold Cup.
“He had no room to challenge,” de Royer Dupre said.
“The horse won’t be going to Ascot for the Gold Cup and I’m preparing him for the Coronation Cup at Epsom.”
Although he is trained in France, Americain is owned by Australian businessmen Gerry Ryan and Kevin Bamford who are hoping he will return for a tilt at a second Melbourne Cup victory in November.
AAP TURF