By Sean Cronin
Charley Rossi representative Tiger Tanaka (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) remained unbeaten after collecting a trio of claiming success in the French provinces, joining the trainer after the first of those wins, and remained down South for a July 8 conditions win going one mile at Marseille-Borely before losing her unbeaten tag when a close-up third dropped to six furlongs for a strong renewal of Chantilly's July 19 G2 Prix Robert Papin last time. Prominent throughout Sunday's G3 Prix Francois Boutin over Deauville's straight seven-furlong strip, she enhanced her credentials with a dominant display for a career high. The 17-10 joint favourite raced in a prominent third from flagfall as Jimmy Sparks (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) set the tone beyond halfway. Looming large on the bridle passing the two pole, she was immediately threatened by Unveil (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) once seizing control soon after and easily subdued that market rival before comfortably holding the late bid of La Gioiosa (Fr) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) by two lengths. Unveil kept on to finish 1 3/4 lengths further adrift in third.
“That was unbelievable, what a thrill and she did it so easily,” said winning rider Jessica Marcialis after claiming a career high of her own. “I asked myself what was going on two [furlongs] out as there was no challenge. I decided then it was time to go and she quickened beautifully. She's a real dream.” Winning owner Miguel Castro Megias was as ecstatic as Marcialis and added, “I am over the moon and we will go far with this filly. When Charley [Rossi] called about claiming this filly I told him to do what what he thought was right.”
“I knew the seven [furlongs] would be in her favour, as she has won over 7 1/2 furlongs and a mile, and also that she would love the soft ground,” explained Rossi. “I am not surprised she won, it's so fantastic she did and let's see how she takes this race before deciding what will be next. There are many possibilities and the [Oct. 4 G1 Prix] Marcel Boussac [at ParisLongchamp] is one.” Reflecting on acquiring the winner out of June 4 six-furlong claimer at Lyon-Parilly, the trainer added, “We had claimed her for a man who had lost faith slightly in racehorses, but he trusted me and it paid off.” Turning to in-house matters, he continued, “I am aware it has been said that if a jockey had ridden her in the Papin she would have won, but the owner told me, before that race, if I jock off Jessica I will not be able to look at myself again and I want her on the filly. That is class.”
Tiger Tanaka, from a family featuring G1SW sire Tenby (GB) (Caerleon), is the lone representative of juvenile maiden dead-heater Miss Phillyjinks (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), herself a half-sister to the dam of last Friday's Listed Flying Fillies' S. victress Stormy Girl (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}). Descendants of the January-foaled bay's stakes-placed third dam Roses In The Snow (Ire) (Be My Guest), herself kin to MGSP sire Distant Mirage (Ire) (Caerleon), include GIII Miss Preakness S. and GIII Azalea S. runner-up Huasca (Tiz Wonderful), MGSW distaffer Snowdrops (GB) (Gulch) and G3 Horris Hill S. winner and MGSP G2 German 2000 Guineas placegetter Tawhid (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).
Sunday, Deauville, France
PRIX FRANCOIS BOUTIN-G3, €56,000, Deauville, 8-16, 2yo, 7fT, 1:28.19, hy.
1–TIGER TANAKA (IRE), 122, f, 2, by Clodovil (Ire)
1st Dam: Miss Phillyjinks (Ire), by Zoffany (Ire)
2nd Dam: Smoken Rosa, by Smoke Glacken
3rd Dam: Roses In The Snow (Ire), by Be My Guest
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (€6,500 Ylg '19 TIRSEP). O-Miguel Castro Megias; B-Kellsgrange Stud (IRE); T-Charley Rossi; J-Jessica Marcialis. €28,000. Lifetime Record: 6-5-0-1, €67,450. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–La Gioiosa (Fr), 122, f, 2, Myboycharlie (Ire)–Zaraba (Ire), by Sakhee. (€2,500 Wlg '18 ARQDEC). O-Enrico Ciampi; B-Ecurie Haras du Cadran, Enrico Ciampi & SCEA Haras du Ma (FR); T-Andrea Marcialis. €11,200.
3–Unveil (Ire), 122, f, 2, Showcasing (GB)–Soft Lips (GB), by Rahy. O/B-Wertheimer & Frere (IRE); T-Carlos Laffon-Parias. €8,400.
Margins: 2, 1 3/4, 8. Odds: 1.70, 4.60, 1.70.
Also Ran: Sledge Hammer (Fr), Jimmy Sparks (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
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