Prix Foy has hopefully put Cloth Of Stars right for Arc

Godolphin horses finished second and third in the G2 Prix Foy at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, September 10, with Cloth Of Stars (Mickael Barzalona) just ahead of Talismanic (Vincent Cheminaud).

The two Andre Fabre-trained four-year-olds raced at the rear of the six-strong field for the 12-furlng contest before making progress in the straight.

Cloth Of Stars, having his first appearance winning the G1 Prix Ganay over an extended 10 furlongs at Saint-Cloud on May 1, had the more troubled passage after racing a bit keenly on the inner in last place.

He did not have much room around the furlong marker to make a challenge but ran on to gain second by a neck from Talismanic, who was settled in fifth towards the outside and then came with a good run from two furlongs out. Neither could get to grips with the length and a half winner Dschingis Secret, whose time came to 2m 35.88s in soft ground.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “Cloth Of Stars has been kept back for an end of season campaign and ran a fantastic race.

“He was a bit keen early on and did not get room at a crucial point.

“He probably needed the outing and hopefully this will set him up for a tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (12f, G1, Chantilly, October 1), all being well.

“Talismanic ran another good race but showed his limitations behind two G1 performers.

“He takes his races very well and we will be looking at an international campaign for him at some point.”