Second and third for Godolphin in G1 Prix Ganay

Pacemaker Wren’s Day came home second, with Cloth Of Stars third, in the G1 Prix Ganay over the extended 10 furlongs at Longchamp, France, on Sunday, 29 April.

The two Godolphin runners, both trained by Andre Fabre, were no match for Cracksman, who won by four lengths in 2m 9.44s on good ground.

Wren’s Day, partnered by Pierre-Charles Boudot, led the field of seven at a good pace and was kicked for home entering the straight.

The four-year-old Medaglio d’Oro colt, making his seasonal debut, was passed by Cracksman with a furlong remaining but kept on to finish three quarters of a length ahead of Cloth Of Stars with Mickael Barzalona up.

Five-year-old Cloth Of Stars was held up last initially and then pulled himself into sixth place on the inside.

He had no room to make progress at the top of the straight, but the cutaway two furlongs out enabled him to run on and take third.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin reported: “That was a bit of a head-scratcher.

“Wren’s Day was ridden with aggression and Pierre-Charles thought he might win the race in the straight.

“The colt normally leads Talismanic and Cloth Of Stars in their work, but might get a promotion now. He looks another string to our bow.

“We were happy with Cloth Of Stars – he is probably best over 12 furlongs with a fast pace, was a bit keen and not able to make progress at a crucial stage, but we don’t want to make excuses.

“Cracksman was very impressive.”