By Sean Cronin
Fresh from the high of Al Hakeem (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) annexing Monday's G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano at Deauville, the in-form team of Al Shaqab Racing, Jean-Claude Rouget and Cristian Demuro was back in the winner's circle once more after the hitherto untried 2-year-old colt Beylerbeyi (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}–Gherdaiya {GB}, by Shamardal) unleashed a 'TDN Rising Star' performance in Tuesday's Prix de Vernon over 6 1/2 furlongs at the Normandy venue. Bowling along on the front end after a swift getaway, the 9-10 favourite held sway throughout and kept on powerfully under minimal coaxing once shaken up with 350 metres remaining to easily outpoint Piano Man (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) by an impressive 2 1/2 lengths.
“He wasn't easy at the gates beforehand, but was very professional during the race itself,” said winning rider Cristian Demuro. “He has a lovely, huge action and quickens well. He will stay further and there's no doubt in my mind that he can go up in class.”
Beylerbeyi is the third foal and winner out of G3 Prix d'Aumale third Gherdaiya (GB) (Shamardal), herself a full-sister to G3 Prix des Chenes, G3 Diomed S. and G3 Earl of Sefton S.-winning sire French Navy (GB). His dam is also kin to G3 Sovereign S. victor Sea Lord (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}). The March-foaled homebred bay, who hails from the family of dual Grade I-winning sire Private Account (Damascus) and GI Beldame S. heroine Dance Number (Northern Dancer), is a half-brother to this term's Listed Derby du Midi runner-up Subahiyah (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}) and a weanling colt by Le Havre (Ire).
1st-Deauville, €27,000, Mdn, 8-16, unraced 2yo, c/g, 6 1/2fT, 1:17.83, gd.
BEYLERBEYI (GB), c, 2, by Invincible Spirit (Ire)
1st Dam: Gherdaiya (GB) (GSP-Fr), by Shamardal
2nd Dam: First Fleet, by Woodman
3rd Dam: Frankova, by Nureyev
1ST-TIME STARTER. O/B-Al Shaqab Racing (GB); T-Jean-Claude Rouget. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €13,500. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by TVG.
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