French 2000 Guineas winner Style Vendome gets the chance to prove himself the best of his generation in France as he goes for more Group One glory in the Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly on Sunday.
The Nicolas Clement-trained grey looked a potential Classic contender when winning the Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte in early April and confirmed that impression with a smart performance in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains at Longchamp.
Clement considered a trip to Royal Ascot with his latest stable star, but decided to target the race he has won three times before with Le Balafre (1993), Vespone (2003) and most recently Stormy River (2006).
“I have been very pleased with his preparation and we have put a pacemaker in the race (Top Chill) to ensure there is a strong pace,” Clement said.
“It is a nice field. We hope for a clear run and we will see what happens.”
The Chantilly handler is looking forward to seeing his charge take on the older generation in the coming months, even raising the possibility of a trip to England for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot in October.
“This is the last Group One race for three-year-olds only, so it was an obvious choice for him,” said the trainer.
“After, this hopefully he will take on older horses in the obvious races. The Prix Jacques le Marois, the Prix de la Foret and the QEII at Ascot are all options.”
Leading owner Sheikh Fahad has three Prix Jean Prat representatives running under his Qatar Racing banner in Anna’s Pearl, Pearl Flute and Havana Gold.
