Distant Storm times it right in G3 Prix Daphnis

Distant Storm took full advantage of a drop in class as he reeled in Grand Son Of Dark close home in the G3 Prix Daphnis at Deauville, France, on Sunday, 9 August. 

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt brought strong Classic form into the mile race, having finished third behind Bow Echo in the G1 2,000 Guineas before going one place better in the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas. 

Covered up in eighth of the 12 runners by Billy Loughnane, Distant Storm travelled strongly entering the straight and started to pick off rivals after being switched out with two furlongs to race. 

Grand Son Of Dark took up the running over a furlong out but had no answer to Distant Storm, who quickened smartly to take control in the final strides for an easy length success. 

Billy Loughnane said: “I ended up a little further back than ideal as Distant Storm was a little sleepy from the gates, but the pace was even throughout, which was ideal. I popped him out at the top of the straight and having a target to run at was great, as he is a horse who doesn’t do too much once he gets there. He won cosily in the end. 

“I knew at the top of the straight that I would get there. Distant Storm is a horse with a nice turn of foot – it takes him a bit of time to pick up but, once he does, he is electric through the line. I was pretty confident that I had everything covered in front of me. 

“He is now relaxing super in his races. He was a little keen in the early days of his two-year-old career, but he is racing behind the bridle and I think an extra couple of furlongs won’t go amiss.”