Victoire Magique in 4th
VICTOIRE MAGIQUE ran a great race to be fourth yesterday at St Cloud in a Group 3 over 2000 metres (1m2f) in only his second career start.
The 2yo son of Victor Ludorum had won on his debut at Lyon-Parilly 24 days earlier comfortably by 1 1/2 lengths from Proof and deserved the step up in class.
St Cloud is a racecourse similar to Newbury in that it’s a left-handed, galloping track and from a spectator’s point of view, also similar in that one can see the whole course.
Tony Piccone was on board as Christian Demuro had been claimed to ride Powai for Godolphin and Andre Fabre.
Victoire Magique in the Winner’s Enclosure
At the start, as at Lyon, Victoire Magique, missed the break and he was last until five furlongs from home, when he made a move and improved into mid-division. He was ridden three out but was was sandwiched inside the three. He did run on and was only beaten 3 lengths.
The horse ran well on ground which was quicker than at Lyon-Parilly but it was a shame Christian Demuro was not able to ride. Ironically, his horse was a non-runner but French rules unlike those in England do not permit a jockey change.
Amy and the team and Solario Racing were delighted with the horse but there was a feeling of “what if?” The bubble might have been slightly deflated but it has not been burst and as they say, we live to fight another day.
Another day could be at St Cloud on 26 October in a Group One, again over 2000 metres. It’s the Grand Criterium, a race which often has few runners. Last year, there were just three and the year before, just seven. The going was Heavy and Very Soft respectively, which if similar this year, would suit Victoire Magique, or “Le Grande Homme” as he is known.
Watch this space!
