Joseph O’Brien enjoyed further French success with his filly Above The Curve who bounced back from a disappointing effort at the Curragh with a comfortable success in the Group 2 Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly has shown a liking for France in her nine-race career, including success in the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp last season. The daughter of American Pharoah finished a good third in the Group 1 Prix de l'Opera over the same course and distance in October and looked right back to her best on this first outing at Saint-Cloud.
Partnered by French rider Maxime Guyon for the first time, Above The Curve was sent into an early lead and the pair were able to dictate their own fractions out in front. Maxime Guyon asked his filly for maximum effort as they approached the two-and-a-half-furlong marker and she responded generously. The Andre Fabre-trained Mqse De Sevigne soon emerged as the sole danger, but she was never able to get on terms and eventually finished two lengths adrift back in second. Waldemar Hickst's India finished third with the 4/5 favourite Nashwa ultimately disappointing in the fourth spot under Hollie Doyle.
Joseph O'Brien's four-year-old holds entries in the Duke Of Cambridge Stakes, Prince Of Wales Stakes and Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot next month.
