By Sean Cronin
Coolmore resident Calyx (GB) (Kingman {GB}) became Europe's latest first-crop sire to get off the mark when Patrice Cottier trainee Classic Flower (GB) (Calyx {GB}–Crown Of Flowers {GB}, by Garswood {GB}) subdued eight rivals over 5 1/2 furlongs in Wednesday's €23,000 Prix de la Cote Bleue at Salon-de-Provence. Finding a comfortable slot behind the leading trio through halfway after an alert getaway, the 6-5 favourite loomed large off the home turn and required minimal coaxing in the closing stages to easily account for Aquila Volante (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}) by a half-length.
1st-Salon de Provence, €23,000, Mdn, 4-5, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:09.76, g/s.
CLASSIC FLOWER (GB) (f, 2, Calyx {GB}–Crown Of Flowers {GB}, by Garswood {GB}) was swiftly away and settled into a smooth rhythm behind the leading trio through halfway in this unveiling. Looming large off the home turn, the 6-5 favourite was shaken up to launch her challenge entering the final furlong and kept on strongly under minimal coaxing in the closing stages to easily account for Aquila Volante (Fr) (Gleneagles {Ire}) by a half-length, becoming the first winner for her first-crop sire (by Kingman {GB}). Classic Flower is the first of two reported foals out of a half-sister to MGSP Listed Pipalong S. and Listed Bosra Sham Fillies' S. victrix Bahia Breeze (GB) (Mister Baileys {GB}), herself the dam of G2 Ridgewood Pearl S. winner Beshaayir (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) and the dual stakes-placed Brioniya (GB) (Pivotal {GB}). The March-foaled chestnut's dam is also kin to the dam of the dual stakes-placed Rock On Baileys (GB) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) while Brioniya threw Listed Grand Prix de Marseille third Bakhchisaray (Fr) (Motivator {GB}). Hailing from the family of Preakness-winning US champion Tom Rolfe (Ribot {GB}), Classic Flower is half to a yearling filly by Oasis Dream (GB). Sales history: 45,000gns Wlg '21 TATFOA. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €11,500. Video, sponsored by TVG.
O-Jean-Etienne Dubois & Ecurie Hunter Valley; B-Petches Farm Ltd (GB); T-Patrice Cottier.
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