Comfortable Jean Prat Victory For Territories

Territories enjoyed an excellent last-to-first victory in the Group One Prix Jean Prat over a mile at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, July 12.

The three-year-old Invincible Spirit colt was held up clear last under Mickael Barzalona as a fast and furious pace was set up front by Aktabantay.

Territories was still at the rear of the eight runners with two furlongs remaining but raced closer to the others.

Switched to the outside soon afterwards, he showed an impressive turn of foot to go second inside the final furlong behind Dutch Connection, who got first run.

Territories overcame Dutch Connection with the minimum of fuss and won by a half length under a gentle hands and heels ride in a fast time of 1m 36.12s on good turf.

There was a further six lengths back to the third Sir Andrew.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said about the Andre Fabre-trained colt: "This was a very accomplished performance by Territories, who showed his class.

"Mickael rode a cool race and did not panic. Territories was a bit further back than we wanted but leaders went very fast.

"He will remain at a mile and might go for the Deauville race (Group One Prix Jacques le Marois on August 16)."

Mickael Barzalona added: "The leaders have gone very quickly.

"I was soon some way last, but Territories is very good and showed tremendous acceleration."

Territories, a top two-year-old, made a winning seasonal return with a straightforward two-length victory in the Group Three Prix de Fontainebleau at Longchamp, France, on April 12 and then stayed on strongly when runner-up to Gleneagles in the British Classic, the QIPCO 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 2, both over a mile.

He missed Royal Ascot because of a minor stone bruise.