By Sean Cronin
Improving upon triumphs in May's G3 Prix d'Hedouville at ParisLongchamp and last month's G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly, 'TDN Rising Star' and 2016 G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud hero Waldgeist (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) was back atop the highest podium with a narrow victory in a pulsating renewal of Sunday's G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. The win also provided trainer Andre Fabre with a record-equalling eighth success, matching the haul of French icon Francois Mathet. The chestnut lobbed along in third as Oriental Eagle (Ger) (Campanologist) led the six-strong field in single file at a comfortable pace. Stoked up approaching the final quarter mile, the 4-5 chalk kept on strongly taking a brave route between rivals in the closing stages to deny 'TDN Rising Star' Coronet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) by a nose in a thrilling bobber, with G1 Coronation Cup runner-up Salouen (Ire) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) enhancing his portfolio 1 1/4 lengths adrift in third. “It was a great performance and, although he has taken time to mature, he is stronger now as a 4-year-old,” said Gestut Ammerland's Dietrich von Boetticher. “He has proved himself since the start of the season and was given a great ride by Pierre-Charles Boudot today. Ultimately, I imagine the [Oct. 7 G1] Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is the main target and we will discuss plans in time, but it will be up to Andre Fabre to decide where and when he goes next.” Fabre added, “He is in the [July 28 G1] King George [VI & Queen Elizabeth S.] at Ascot, but it was a big effort today so we will see how he comes out of it before committing. Waiting for the [Sept. 16 G2] Prix Foy [at ParisLongchamp] is another option.”
Reflecting on the performance of runner-up Coronet, John Gosden commented, “It was a good decision to supplement her because they do a great job with the course here in the summer. She ran a blinder and came close to winning her Group 1.” Revealing options of attempting that hitherto elusive landmark for the homebred grey, who has now hit the board four times at the highest level, the Newmarket-based conditioner continued, “We can think of the [Aug. 2 G1] Nassau [S. at Goodwood], if there was a hint of rain, the [Aug. 23 G1] Yorkshire Oaks or even the [Sept. 16 G1] Prix Vermeille [at ParisLongchamp]. There are plenty of opportunities.”
Waldgeist is the first foal and leading performer produced by G3 Prix Penelope heroine Waldlerche (GB) (Monsun {Ger}), herself a half-sister to G1 St. Leger victor Masked Marvel (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}) and Listed Dallmayr Coupe Lukull victrix Waldnah (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). Their dam Waldmark (Ger) (Mark of Esteem {GB}) ran second in the G2 Falmouth S. and is a daughter of MGSW German champion and runaway G2 Deutsches St Leger heroine Wurftaube (Ger) (Acatenango {Ger}), whose other progeny includes G1 Deutsches Derby-winning sire Waldpark (Ger) (Dubawi {Ire}), Listed Bremer Derby-Trial victor Waldvogel (Ire) (Polish Precedent) and Waldmark's full-sister Waldbeere (GB), who in turn is the dam of MGSW sire Wiesenpfad (Fr) (Waky Nao {GB}) and stakes-winning G1 Preis der Diana third Waldtraut (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Waldlerche has also produced Waldlied (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), who secured a career high on this card's G2 Prix de Malleret, a 2-year-old colt by Sea the Stars {Ire}) and a yearling colt by Kingman (GB).
Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France
GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD-G1, €400,000, Saint-Cloud, 7-1, 4yo/up, 12fT, 2:30.14, g/s.
1–WALDGEIST (GB), 128, c, 4, by Galileo (Ire)
1st Dam: Waldlerche (GB) (GSW-Fr & SP-Ger), by Monsun (Ger)
2nd Dam: Waldmark (Ger), by Mark of Esteem (Ire)
3rd Dam: Wurftaube (Ger), by Acatenango (Ger)
O-Gestut Ammerland & Newsells Park Stud; B-Waldlerche Partnership (GB); T-Andre Fabre; J-Pierre-Charles Boudot. €228,560. Lifetime Record: GSP-Eng, 12-5-3-2, €969,127. *1/2 to Waldlied (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), GSW-Fr, $101,900. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Coronet (GB), 125, f, 4, Dubawi (Ire)–Approach (GB), by Darshaan (GB). O/B-Denford Stud Ltd (GB); T-John Gosden. €91,440.
3–Salouen (Ire), 128, c, 4, Canford Cliffs (Ire)–Gali Gal (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). (€85,000 Ylg '15 GOFSPT). O-Hiran Balasuriya; B-Silvercon Edgerodge Ltd (IRE); T-Sylvester Kirk. €45,720.
Margins: NO, 1 1/4, 3/4. Odds: 0.80, 4.30, 5.30.
Also Ran: Cloth of Stars (Ire), Iquitos (Ger), Oriental Eagle (Ger). Scratched: Guignol (Ger), Bateel (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
