You are here

Moonlight Spirit dazzles in G3 Prix de Lutece

Racenews

Improving three-year-old Moonlight Spirit earmarked himself as a potential Cup horse for next season with a comprehensive victory in the G3 Prix de Lutece at Longchamp, France, on Sunday, 1 September.

The Charlie Appleby-trained Dubawi colt, stepping up to 15 furlongs for the first time after coming home fourth in the G2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot, disputed the early running before establishing a clear lead after a furlong and a half.

Moonlight Spirit kicked on under James Doyle entering the straight and readily opened up daylight over his four rivals before being eased near the line to beat Think Of Me by four and a half lengths in 3m 14.76s on good ground.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were delighted with the victory of Moonlight Spirit. We have always felt that staying distances would bring out the best of him and his break after Royal Ascot has done him the world of good.

“He holds an entry in the G1 St Leger at Doncaster (1m 6f 115y, Saturday, 14 September) but we also have the G2 Prix Chaudenay back at Longchamp (1m 7f, Saturday, 5 October) in our minds.

“We will discuss things over the next week or two but feel that he is a nice staying horse for the future. He is going to be a lovely four-year-old and can hopefully become a contender for the big Cup races.”