Easy win for Philomene in G3 Prix Penelope

Philomene backed up the promise of a debut success with a decisive victory on her three-year-old return in the G3 Prix Penelope at Saint-Cloud, France, on Tuesday, 6 April.

The Andre Fabre-trained filly, stepping up in trip after scoring over a mile at Longchamp in September, was held up in fourth of the five runners for much of the extended 10-furlong contest.

Philomene tacked across towards the stands’ rail with the rest of the field at the top of the straight and showed an impressive turn of foot to hit the front approaching the final furlong. She quickened away under minimal effort from Mickael Barzalona and was eased near the line to come home two and a half lengths clear of Incarville.

It was a landmark success for her father Dubawi, who became the first British stallion to sire 200 Stakes winners.

Mickael Barzalona said: “I was very impatient to see Philomene back on a racetrack and I am very happy with the way she won today. I am sure she will come forward plenty for it.

“She is a good filly with a lot of class and is very easy to handle, so that will be a very good point in the big races.

“Andre Fabre knows exactly the way to bring these fillies along. Philomene broke her maiden last year, beating a promising horse, and we have our fingers crossed that she can keep on improving. I can’t wait to see her back again.”