The article below has been translated from Paris Turf, written by Ludovic Hellier.
With his two end-of-season successes in listed races, Mr Satchmo is embarking on an international adventure by aiming for the Qatar Derby, scheduled for December 22nd. In the background, the possibilities of an Australian trip, toward the end of 2019.
Announcing the quality of a horse and maintaining his confidence, after several unsuccessful outings, may surprise. Less when it comes from Antoine de Watrigant who had never hidden his esteem. The coach from Mons makes us relive the same scenario with Mr Satchmo, who has just won two listed races: “I always felt that Mr Satchmo had quality, but he only achieved his first success on his fifth outing. He had been spotted by Yan Houyvet, a man with an expert eye, who trusted me. Today, he and the co-owners of the first hour are excited at the idea of embarking on such great challenges. When Mr. Satchmo’s quality came to light, we received offers to purchase. We did not retain the most shares, preferring to work with OTI Management. They are enthusiastic and, above all, I have had the opportunity to have a good history with them when they bought Gailo Chop. Besides, it is not impossible that, like him, Mr Satchmo to run in Australia. “
Even before there was a first trip abroad: “We had kept Mr Satchmo for two end-of-season listed races that he won in a good way. He had to wait until March or April for his next commitment and he remained in very good condition. I found the Qatar Derby as a possible race in his program. The race is ranked Group 1 level there and endowed as such, but it is considered a class 1 here. This will not close doors, but bring an interesting opportunity. But nothing is done because we do not know who we are going to run against. There is a list of guests and possible competitors, but the final starters, we will not know them until the Tuesday before the race … while Mr Satchmo will have already left Mont-de-Marsan. We had considered the possibility of a participation according to the state of form of the horse; he proved to be quite convincing.”
