The Stephane Wattel-trained Simca Mille stamped his claims for this year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe picture with a convincing triumph in the Westminster 133rd Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten this afternoon.
The German Group 1 is often used as a stepping-stone to Longchamp with 2021 Arc winner Torquator Tasso landing the race in 2020 before finishing runner-up to Sir Mark Prescott's Alpinista last year.
New London attempted to give Charlie Appleby back-to-back victories in the Hoppegarten Group 1, but the front-runner soon found himself under pressure turning for home and the eye was drawn to Simca Mille from some way out.
A confident-looking Alexis Pouchin eased his mount into contention with three furlongs to go and the pair soon struck the front travelling kindly approaching the two marker.
Stephane Wattel's Arc contender only had to be pushed out under hands and heels riding and was always doing enough out in front to score by a comfortable three-quarters of a length.
Sisfahan finished back in second for trainer Henk Grewe, while stablemate Assistant was a further two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.
It was a first top-level success for the Deauville-based handler who told Wettstar: "It's fantastic for the horse and I must admit it is nice for me because it is my first Group One after over 30 years of training."
"I'm so happy it happened here in Berlin in front of a fantastic crowd.
"It's a difficult job and sometimes you have difficult periods, but when it goes well and you train a horse of this quality, we forget everything, and we are so happy.
All roads now seemingly lead to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for Simca Mille, with Wattel adding: "He's engaged in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and as you know, some nice winners of the Grosser Preis von Berlin have won the Arc. We might have a try at that, and it will be the next target – a very big one."
It was a second Group 1 victory for jockey Alexis Pouchin who will now be dreaming of Arc glory later in the year.
The four-year-old was cut to 25/1 from 33/1 for the Arc in the French capital on October 1 by Paddy Power.
