Easy G2 verdict for Inns Of Court on first five-furlong run

Inns Of Court tried five furlongs for the first time in the G2 Prix de Gros-Chene at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, 2 June and emerged the impressive winner.

The five-year-old Invincible Spirit horse, trained by Andre Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, is unbeaten this year, having enjoyed a comfortable half-length victory on his seasonal return in the six-furlong Listed Prix Servanne at Maisons-Laffitte on Friday, 26 April.

Inns Of Court chased the leaders as third of the five runners nearest the stands’ rail and cruised up to challenge approaching the quarter-mile marker.

He was asked to stretch, soon took the lead and ran on well to win easily by two and a half lengths from Sestilio Jet in 57.64s.

This was Inns Of Court’s greatest success and follows three G3 victories over six and seven furlongs, plus two short-head seconds at G1 level in the seven-furlong Prix de la Foret at Longchamp in October last year and at a mile in the 2017 Prix Jacques Le Marois.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin was delighted with success: “It was an excellent performance.

“I have not had the chance to discuss it with Andre yet, but all options are on the table.

“Inns of Court is in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (G1, 6f, June 22) at Royal Ascot and it will be a question of whether Andre considers supplementing Inns Of Court for the King’s Stand Stakes (G1, 5f, June 18) as well.

“The horse has done what everybody hoped to see today and it is very exciting – he has improved again and is really reaching maturity.

“He has shown plenty of class over five, six, seven and eight furlongs – it is fantastic and really lovely for the horse to be two from two this year.”

Mickael Barzalona reported: “I think Inns Of Court has found his way now over five and six furlongs.

“He travelled easily and then picked up nicely as well – he is going the right way.

“I think he will be one of the most fancied horses if he runs in the Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot and after the way he won today it looks like he will be 100 per cent ready for the race.”