Impressive Saint-Alary victory for Sobetsu

Sobetsu put her rivals to the sword on her seasonal debut in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary over 10 furlongs at Deauville, France, on Sunday, May 14.

The three-year-old Dubawi filly romped away from her 10 opponents in the straight to win eased down by three lengths in 2m 5.92s on ground described as soft.

A challenge for the premier British Classic for fillies, the 12-furlong G1 Investec Oaks at Epsom Downs on June 2, is dependent on give in the going, while the French Oaks, the G1 Prix De Diane over an extended 10 furlongs at Chantilly on June 18 is another option.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed watched the race and was straight on the phone after they crossed the line – he was delighted. 

“I am pleased for His Highness and Godolphin. We will enjoy today and then map out a programme for her. We will be on weather-watch as they say.

“We’ve always held Sobetsu in high regard and she wintered particularly well.

“I am confident she will stay a mile and a half, but the key to her is this soft going and today’s ground really suited her. 

“She has lots of options, including the Oaks, but she could come back to France for the French Oaks.”

Sobetsu, drawn in the outside stall 11, broke smartly and William Buick brought her through to dispute the running.

She was then settled a close second before moving to the front entering the straight with a quarter-mile remaining.

Sobetsu was asked to go for home and by the furlong-marker had gone clear. She won easily from Vue Fantastique, with another length and three quarters back to the previously unbeaten Coronet.