Close second for Pimento in G3 Prix Djebel

Improving colt Pimento took another step forward in his fledgling career with a neck second in the seven-furlong G3 Prix Djebel at Deauville, France, on Thursday, 8 April.

The Andre Fabre-trained three-year-old, returning to turf following two all-weather wins over a mile at Chantilly, was restrained at the rear of the eight runners by Mickael Barzalona.

He quickened strongly after being switched out to deliver his challenge towards the stands’ rail entering the final quarter-mile and went second with just over half a furlong to race.

Pimento continued to stay on but could not get on terms with Fast Raaj, with the two sons of Iffraaj pulling three lengths clear of third home Prince Lancelot.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “It was a very solid performance from Pimento and it is great to get some G3 Black Type with him.

“Hopefully, he can carry on being competitive at this level but whether he can step up to G1 company is a question for the trainer. We will see how he comes out of this race and what happens in the other trial races for the Poule d’Essai des Poulains before deciding where to go next.”