By Sean Cronin
Haras d'Etreham-based Almanzor (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) became the latest European freshman sire off the mark when Francis-Henri Graffard trainee Faro de San Juan (Ire) notched a debut win in Chantilly's Prix du Soleil de Bretagne. Prominent throughout, the 160,000gns Tattersalls December foal and 13-10 favourite ran on well in the closing stages of the 5 1/2-furlong newcomers' test to score by a half length from Perfect Colour (GB) (Ultra {Ire}).
2nd-Chantilly, €27,000, Mdn, 4-26, unraced 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:04.74, gd.
FARO DE SAN JUAN (IRE) (c, 2, Almanzor {Fr}–Fixette {Ire} {MGSP-Fr}, by Kodiac {GB}) recovered from an early bump to race on the front end after the initial strides of this debut. Edging ahead before halfway, the 13-10 favourite was nudged along approaching the final furlong and ridden out late to prevail by a half length from Perfect Colour (GB) (Ultra {Ire}), becoming the first winner for his freshman sire (by Wootton Bassett {GB}). Half to a yearling filly by No Nay Never, he is the first of two foals produced by G3 Prix du Bois and G3 Prix de Cabourg runner-up Fixette (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), herself a granddaughter of G3 Noblesse S. second Unique Pose (Ire) (Sadler's Wells). Sales history; 160,000gns Wlg '19 TATFOA. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €13,500. Video, sponsored by TVG.
1ST-TIME STARTER. O-Peter Katelanis, Haras d'Etreham, Riviera Equine SARL & SF Bloodstock SC; B-Lynch-Bages Ltd (IRE); T-Francis-Henri Graffard.
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