Global Weekly Review: Sobetsu to seek Classic glory in French Oaks

Godolphin's classy filly Sobetsu is to be aimed at the G1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly in preference to the G1 Investec Oaks at Epsom following her authoritative victory at Deauville on Sunday.

On another weekend of excellent racing worldwide, the Charlie Appleby-trained Sobetsu strolled away with the G1 Prix Saint-Alary to give Godolphin legitimate hopes of Classic success with her in coming weeks, but it will be in France rather than Britain.

"John (Ferguson) and I have discussed it with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, and the final decision is that we target the Prix de Diane," Appleby explained.

"The ground at Deauville, which in my opinion was 'Good to Soft,' was a key factor in her success, and she is more likely to get the ground she likes at Chantilly than at Epsom," the trainer explained.

Darley-bred Sobetsu is a daughter of Dubawi out of a Darshaan mare. With William Buick riding confidently, she defeated Vue Fantastique by a comfortable three lengths, with Coronet closing late for third.

The two Classics at Deauville at the weekend produced two French-trained winners, who could both go on to better things. The Jean-Claude Rouget-trained Brametot has a spectacular way of winning his races, coming from way off the pace, and he again successfully adopted those tactics to snatch victory in the last stride of the G1 French 2,000 Guineas.

Precieuse, ridden by Olivier Peslier, repelled all challengers for her win in the G1 French 1,000 Guineas, with Sea Of Grace an honest second.

One of the most significant international wins was registered at Belmont Park, New York, where the Dermot Weld-trained Zhukova smashed the opposition in the G1 Man O'War Stakes, beating Taghleeb by six lengths.

If ever a filly looked destined to make the progression to the Breeders' Cup stage, it is this five-year-old, who was placed expertly by Weld for this first taste of global exposure.

There will be more to come from Zhukova, of that you can be certain.