3 minute read

Feature Race Review: Prix Saint-Alary.

Above The Curve was the last one to go in and the last to exit the stalls but was first past the winning post. The filly reached the lead with 300m to go and proved strongest in brave fashion fending off five rivals to take the 2022 G1 Prix Saint-Alary (2000m).

Ryan Moore had to niggle away onboard Above The Curve as the filly was not best away from the stalls. The pace was not strong and the Joseph O'Brien trained three-year-old was able to catch the field quickly on the outside. The daughter of American Pharoah raced in second, two off the inside and one length off the leader, Blue Wings.

Tempo remained average at halfway, though the group were all travelling well with only six lengths first to last. Turning for home, Ryan Moore began applying pressure and was driving along on Above The Curve with the duo maintaining a great position sitting in second. Blue Wings did not go down without a battle and the Joseph O'Brien filly did not get past until the 300m marker where it looked an open race with all six runners being covered by less than two lengths. However, when Above The Curve did reach the lead, she showed talent and began to stamp her authority with Above The Curve narrowly winning the 2022 G1 Prix Saint-Alary (2000m) and justifying strong market support.

Place du Carrousel was a good second beaten one length and Queen Trezy also ran well to make up the first three home.

By American Pharoah who was the 12th horse in history to win the American Triple Crown alongside the Breeders' Cup Classic in 2015, he has already produced multiple top-grade performers on the racetrack including the 2020 G1 Criterium International (1600m) winner, Van Gogh. He stands at the Coolmore America stud, Ashford Stud in Kentucky (USA). This was the stallion's fifth elite level winner as a sire.