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Simca Mille much the best in Grand Prix de Chantilly

Stephane Wattel’s stable star Simca Mille (2/5 F) showed his class back down in grade to land the Group 2 Grand Prix de Chantilly with the minimum of fuss this afternoon.

SIMCA MILLE.
SIMCA MILLE. Picture: Pat Healy Photography

The four-year-old was last seen finishing runner-up to Iresine in the Group 1 Prix Ganay at Longchamp in April and had no issues getting back to winning ways when returned to Group 2 level.

He was always well-positioned behind front-runner Kertez from the get-go and cruised upside the long-time leader entering the final two furlongs.

The son Tamayuz, soon lengthened away with absolute ease to score by three-and-a-half lengths under Alexis Pouchin. Kertez (6/1) stuck on well to take the runner-up spot.

A trip to Royal Ascot could be on the cards for the Stephane Wattel-trained four-year-old, who holds an entry in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales' Stakes later this month.

In a post-race interview with Sky Sports Racing's Katherine Ford, trainer Stephane Wattel went on to say: "It's wonderful.

He always runs with great value and he's very easy to ride. We can go in front, or we can wait in behind. It's really helpful."

"Now he still has an entry at Ascot in sixteen days. I was thinking if the horse really has an easy race, which it looks like he has today, then whether we make a try at Ascot or not I don't know."

"We'll see how he recovers but it's an option."

"He's proved he can run very well over the two distances. The target really is to make a try on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe this year."

"At three it was impossible he didn't work well at all on heavy ground. I think he can handle it better now but really there is enough nice weather and good races in the summertime to avoid heavy ground."

When asked about the King George at Ascot he added: "I know Ascot is always tough, but I think it's going to be very tough for a French horse to go to the King George.

There's the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and he's also engaged in a Group 1 in Berlin. Or we give him a good rest and wait for a prep race for the Arc."

Paddy Power went 16/1 from 33/1 for Wednesday's feature while Sky Bet also cut the likely French raider from 25/1 from 14/1.

Trainer Stephane Wattel is yet to saddle a Group 1 winner and his star could line-up against the likes of Luxembourg, Bay Bridge, Adayar, Desert Crown and My Prospero in a race that is shaping up to be a mouth-watering clash on day two of the five-day meeting.


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