Prairie stars in Hocquart

24 May 2011 - 09:24:45

The Elie Lellouche-trained Prairie Star narrowly denied Grand Vent in a thrilling finish to the Prix Hocquart at Longchamp.

Godolphin's Sandown Classic Trial winner Genius Beast cut out much of the running, but Frankie Dettori was sending out distress signals from the turn for home.

Christophe Soumillon saw off the pacesetter on Prairie Star, but the second Godolphin hope Grand Vent came from the rear under Mickael Barzalona and closed in as the line approached, and the leader just held on.

To his credit, Genius Beast plugged on in the straight to pick up minor honours in third.

Soumillon told www.paris-turf.com: "He was always travelling well and when I asked him to go on, he pulled out five or six strides.

"It was a good performance and we think he may be better over a mile and a half."

Of Genius Beast, Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford told www.godolphin.com: "He obviously stays very well and will remain entered in everything.

"But Sheikh Mohammed is leaning towards the Group Two King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, though at this stage nothing is ruled in or out."