3 minute read
Marvellous Mickael causes French 2000 Guineas surprise on Marhaba Ya Sanafi
Despite having two-and-a-half-lengths to find with the well-supported favourite American Flag (10/11) on recent form it was the Andreas Schutz-trained Marhaba Ya Sanafi (33/1) that was able to come out on top in France's first Classic of the season.
It was 2000 Guineas redemption for owner Jaber Abdullah who finished runner-up in the English equivalent with High Royal just seven days ago.
The pace appeared slack in the early stages and Mickael Barzalona always looked to be comfortable with his position as the pair sat fourth, no fewer than a handful of lengths off the leaders throughout. Front-runner Valimi looked to be travelling kindly turning for home but soon found himself swamped by Isaac Shelby, who made his bid for Classic glory down up the rail. The Brian Meehan-trained charge looked for all but home until Mickael Barzalona and Marhaba Ya Sanafi kicked into overdrive. The son of Muhaarar began to bare down on his rivals before getting up under the shadows of the post under an all-action drive from Mickael Barzalona. Breizh Sky stuck to his task well to finish third while the disappointing favourite American Flag plugged on to finish an ultimately well-held fourth.
The Crisford-trained Knight, who disappointed in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury on reappearance, was withdrawn at the start after losing a shoe and not satisfying the vet on trotting up. Runners were then ordered to come out of the stalls before being reloaded and therefore causing a slight delay.
Speaking on Sky Sports Racing winning trainer Andreas Schutz said: "I'm not surprised at all, I expected him to run well. I thought he had improved. This time he didn't go in front, and when he got daylight into the straight you could tell he had gas left.
"I hope it can be a starting point to something, we've been quite small for four or five years. We hope we can go on a bit further and continue to grow. It's been a long time since we won a Group 1 so today is nice. I said to the jockey beforehand that he was right for this race.
"I'll discuss with the owner and the jockey [regarding the Prix du Jockey Club as next race]."
Brian Meehan (trainer of runner-up Isaac Shelby) stated: "I'm a little bit frustrated with the pace, in the middle third of the race they went a bit steady for him.
"But I'm very proud of the horse, he's run a lovely race. It's always good to be at that end of a Classic.
"I think there's more to come, he's better than he showed. And I think the pace might have had something to do with it.
"But we're very happy. It'll possibly be the St James's Palace Stakes or the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot which will be his next target."
Marhaba Ya Sanafi has been introduced at 10/1 for the Prix du Jockey Club with Paddy Power.
