TDN RISING STARS

July 1, 2023 - CHANTILLY, Race 6, Cond, EUR €0, , .0000

Havana Cigar (GB), C, 2, 2021 by Havana Grey (GB)

1st Dam: Speculating (Ire), by Xtension (Ire)
2nd Dam: Meadow (GB), by Green Desert
3rd Dam: Marl (GB), by Lycius

Owner: White Birch Farm
Breeder: Josh Cameron (GB)
Trainer: Jean-Claude Rouget

Jean-Claude Rouget trainee Havana Cigar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}-Speculating {Ire}, by Xtension {Ire}) created a favourable impression when notching a two-length debut triumph going six furlongs at Saint-Cloud in May and delivered a performance of raw power to earn a 'TDN Rising Star' badge over the same trip in Saturday's Prix de la Croix des Veneurs at Chantilly.

Havana Cigar failed to make best use of his stands' side draw and was steadied at the tail of the six-runner field after missing a beat at the kick. Powering by rivals inside the final quarter-mile, the 12-5 second favourite surged beyond the pacesetting 'TDN Rising Star' Alcantor (Fr) (New Bay {GB}) entering the final furlong and quickened clear in highly impressive fashion to hit the line strong and five lengths ahead of the outclassed Gotta Skedaddle (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) in second. He becomes the first Rising Star for his sire (by Havana Gold {Ire}).

"I'm aware the horse of Monsieur Fabre's [Alcantor] started as the [1-2] favourite, but Havana Cigar is a very nice colt too and he had won well at Saint-Cloud first time out," the winning trainer said. "Maybe he didn't have the best possible trip, being positioned where he was in rear early, but he has good speed and quality and quickened well. He will be fine for Deauville with his next start possibly in the [July 30 G3] Prix de Cabourg."