David Menuisier’s Tamfana returned to winning ways with victory in the Group 3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown on Saturday.
The talented three-year-old filly had failed to strike in four previous starts this season, but had posted some excellent results in defeat – including a fourth in the twelve-furlong Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp against the boys.
Returning to a mile, the daughter of Soldier Hollow started a short-priced favourite for the contest and the result never looked in doubt, with jockey Oisin Murphy cruising to the front with a furlong to run. Doha attempted to pursue the leader but could never make an impact, finishing two-and-three-quarter lengths back in second, with Imperial Quarter third.
"I'm absolutely delighted and she has done it with style, which was what we were expecting to see really, despite the fact she has had a break," said trainer David Menuisier.
"She was in need of the run and without being cheeky, that is how she should have won the race, the form was there.
"We were confident but you want things to go the right way. As you can see, she has a nick on her hind leg there and things like this could stop a horse in a race and that is why you always hope for a dream run. That's pretty much what happened.
"It was important to win today and there was a fair amount of pressure. When you run at Group One level, anything can happen and you are hopeful. Today hopeful wasn't enough – but it is good pressure. It was an important stepping stone to the autumn.
"She is entered in the Sun Chariot and the Prix de l'Opera the next day, so we will have the choice, we won't make the call right now. She is also entered in the QEII.
"She's versatile and she is not ground dependent – you can run on good, quick, heavy, all-weather, but we haven't tried dirt!"
