Blue Rose Cen blossoms in French 1000 Guineas

Last year's impressive Marcel Boussac winner and champion two-year-old, Blue Rose Cen doubled her Group 1 tally with Classic success in the French 1000 Guineas at Paris Longchamp.

Unlike in the Colts equivalent, there were very few doubts for favourite backers as the 5/6 market leader Blue Rose Cen powered up the Longchamp straight for Classic glory.

Christopher Head's filly returned to action with a comfortable victory over the re-opposing Lindy in the Group 3 Prix de la Grotte at the same venue.

The daughter of Churchill always looked to be in pole position under Aurelien Lemaitre and displayed a breath-taking turn of foot to quicken clear from the Lindy (81/10), who once again filled the runner-up spot, for a commanding one-and-three-quarter-length success. The Patrice Cottier-trained front-runner Sauterne kept on well for the bronze medal spot having been keen in the early stages.

Never Ending Story fared best of the English and Irish-trained contenders, but Aidan O'Brien's second favourite was ultimately disappointing back in fifth and never looked like challenging the main protagonists.

Speaking with Sky Sports Racing Head said: 

"I'm lucky enough to have a good horse to go into a Classic race and she is brilliant.

"It's been a dream for me to train her, all throughout the season as a two-year-old and now at three.

"I'm speechless as you dream about winning these races and when it happens you're a bit surprised.

"Everything had been done to go into the race and I'm very happy this plan worked well."

"We have been seeing her change tactics and being able to wait, so I can't wait to see that over a further distance," the trainer added.

"That [Prix de Diane] is the idea. Aurelien said she's a star.

The success has seen Blue Rose Cen join both Pensee Du Jour and Running Lion at the head of the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) market as Paddy Power and Betfair go co-favourites of three at 3/1.