By Tom Frary
Second to Pao Alto (Fr) (Intello {Ger}) in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix la Force over nine furlongs May 14, 'TDN Rising Star' Ocean Atlantique (American Pharoah) made light work of Sunday's Listed Prix de Suresnes at Deauville to set up a potential Classic tilt. As he had been when dominating a Saint-Cloud mile maiden in October, Coolmore's 1-5 favourite was sent to the front from the break by Pierre-Charles Boudot and after setting his own terms kicked early in the straight to settle the outcome. At the line, the bay had five lengths to spare over the previously unbeaten filly Irska (Fr) (Hunter's Light {Ire}), who was in turn a short head in front of Alfareeq (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). His rider was impressed. “I thought I had the best horse in the race and didn't want to take any chances, so I let him do his job,” he said. “He quickened impressively and stayed very well. I'd say he has to be a very nice horse.”
As the €1.1million Arqana May Breeze-Up topper, Ocean Atlantique was carrying a significant weight of expectation into his debut in September and performed with credit when runner-up to the Niarchos's smart Ketil (Karakontie {Jpn}) over a mile at Saint-Cloud. Making great strides since that introduction, he has the pedigree to make his mark at the highest level as did his unraced dam's half-brother Leroidesanimaux (Brz) (Candy Stripes). That champion hails from the dynasty of Kerali (GB) (High Line {GB}), whose daughter Hasili (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) has entered immortality for her exploits at Juddmonte. Amongst her many top-class progeny are those who stayed middle distances well such as Danehill's trio of Intercontinental (GB), Cacique (Ire) and Champs Elysees (GB). Tare Green's as-yet unnamed 2-year-old colt is by Quality Road, while she also has yearling and foal colts by Union Rags.
Sunday, Deauville, France
PRIX DE SURESNES-Listed, €38,000, Deauville, 5-31, 3yo, 10fT, 2:06.26, gd.
1–OCEAN ATLANTIQUE, 128, c, 3, by American Pharoah
1st Dam: Tare Green, by Giant's Causeway
2nd Dam: Dissemble (GB), by Ahonoora (GB)
3rd Dam: Kerali (GB), by High Line (GB)
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. ($275,000 Ylg '18 KEESEP; €1,100,000 2yo '19 ARQMAY). O-Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith & Michael Tabor; B-Indian Creek (KY); T-Andre Fabre; J-Pierre-Charles Boudot. €19,000. Lifetime Record: GSP-Fr, 4-2-2-0, €49,100.
2–Irska (Fr), 125, f, 3, Hunter's Light (Ire)–Eire (GB), by Medicean (GB). O-Lutz Bongen; B-M & Mme M Nigge (FR); T-Markus Nigge. €7,600.
3–Alfareeq (Ire), 128, c, 3, Dark Angel (Ire)–Urjuwaan (GB), by Cape Cross (Ire). O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum; B-Shadwell Estate Company Ltd (IRE); T-Freddy Head. €5,700.
Margins: 5, SHD, SNK. Odds: 0.20, 5.90, 6.50.
Also Ran: Hayzum (Fr), Lord Achilles (Fr), Nobody's (Fr). Click for the Racing Post result.
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