Qemah was routed by Antonoe when that rival earned TDN Rising Star status in a newcomers' test at Deauville Aug. 7, but gained some measure of compensation when graduating at Longchamp in her second start Sept. 3. Exacting revenge on Antonoe, who trailed in seventh, when third in the Oct. 5 G1 Prix Marcel Boussac back at the Bois de Boulogne track in her juvenile season closer, she confirmed superiority once more with an impressive display here. Qemah was keen through the early strides before settling off the pace in seventh. Easing into contention approaching the final quarter mile, she quickened smartly to lead inside the eighth pole and drew off late to register a career high in taking fashion. “I had some doubts beforehand as she doesn't show much in the mornings at home so I was anxious to see how she would run first time out this year,” admitted trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. “She erased all my doubts in style and quickened in a way only good horses can. She could have been closer in the Marcel Boussac last year, but didn't have the best of trips on that occasion. We'll think about the future now, but she is definitely on the Classic trail. The programme is to now go for the [May 15 G1 Poule d'Essai des] Pouliches at Deauville and then the [June 17 G1] Coronation S at Royal Ascot. For the time being, we definitely want to keep her at a mile.” Pascal Bary expressed satisfaction at the performance of Antonoe and added, “Considering she lost a lot of training over the winter with almost two months' box rest, she definitely needed the race. She was rusty and I hope she improves on that when she comes back in the Pouliches.” The winner is a half-sister to the 2-year-old filly Jem Delafleuriere (Ire) (Henrythenavigator) and a yearling colt by Lawman (Fr).
Wednesday, Chantilly, France
PRIX DE LA GROTTE-G3, €80,000, CHY, 4-20, 3yo, f, 8fT, 1:38.14, sf.
1–#@QEMAH (IRE), 126, f, 3, by Danehill Dancer (Ire)
1st Dam: Kartica (GB) (GSP-Fr, $132,100), by Rainbow Quest
2nd Dam: Cayman Sunset (Ire), by Night Shift
3rd Dam: Robinia, by Roberto
(€200,000 Ylg '14 ARAUG). O-Al Shaqab Racing; B-Haras du Cadran, SCEA Bissons & SAS IEI (IRE); T-Jean-Claude Rouget; J-Gregory Benoist. €40,000. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Fr, 4-2-1-1, €96,290. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Kenriya (Fr), 126, f, 3, Kendargent (Fr)–Cherriya (Fr), by Montjeu (Ire). O-Guy Pariente; B-Guy Pariente Holding (FR); T-Christophe Ferland. €16,000.
3–Antonoe, 126, f, 3, First Defence–Ixora, by Dynaformer. O-Khalid Abdullah; B-Millsec Ltd (KY); T-Pascal Bary. €12,000.
Margins: 2HF, 1 1/4, SHD. Odds: 5.60, 4.30, 3.70.
Also Ran: Trixia (Fr), Chartreuse (Ire), Pleasemetoo (Ire), Gherdaiya (GB), Ella Diva (Fr), Positive Vibration (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
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