Inverloch has commenced a busy week in France, with a victory in a 2800m Handicap race at Vichy overnight. With another four runners over the weekend, some late nights will be had by our co-owners.
Inverloch, a three-year-old colt, is one of our European-based Fastnet Rock progeny named after Country Victorian towns and he has been the model of consistency in his career to date. He is yet to finish outside the placings, now with 2 wins, a second and 2 thirds to his name from 5 career race starts.
This morning’s race on paper looked a very winnable race for him, following his previous performances over similar distances. Trainer Nicolas Clement retained jockey Sebastien Maillot for the ride and carried top weight, with 59.5 kgs. After jumping evenly, he sat behind the leader and had the perfect run throughout the race. In the straight, it became a two-horse duel with the Henk Grewe-trained, Khan. Over the last 100m, Inverloch began to draw clear and won the race by half a length. In what was a very promising sign, the third-placegetter was over eight lengths away.
Moving forward, he is nominated for the Group 3 Prix de Lutèce on September 8. This race is over 3000m for three-year-olds at Longchamp and has an outstanding Honour Roll of previous winners. Americain, the victor in 2008, is one that has subsequently gone onto bigger and better things. Au Revoir and Ibicenco are two horses OTI knows well to have run in this race.
Inverloch is one from this crop that certainly looks to have a future in Australia, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in France between now and then.