Connections of recent acquisition Sevenna’s Knight had the perfect start to their association when the 3yo colt was successful at Deauville on Saturday in the Listed Prix Michel Houyvet over 2800m.
Acquired following a dominant 6 length victory at Compiegne in June, trainer Andre Fabre was confident that the son of Camelot could handle the step up in the class and that he did. Settling toward the rear of the small 7-horse field, Sevenna’s Knight travelled well throughout for jockey Bauyrzhan Murzabayev, who positioned him in the three-wide running line entering the straight. Asked for his effort at the 250m point, the 3yo extended nicely and ran away from his rivals, doing his best work over the line in winning by 1.5 lengths.
SEVENNA'S KNIGHT – a first run for new connections is a Listed win in the Prix Michel Houyvet. 🥇
— OTI Racing (@OTIRacing) August 5, 2023
The 3yo son of Camelot stalked the leaders before pouncing and running away late for Andre Fabre and team.
Many congratulations to all.@francegalop @Racing @anz_news @theTDN pic.twitter.com/ZSupdis22K
As with many 3yo European winners over a staying journey, connections will start to dream of a Melbourne Cup run in his future. However, such dreams are set to be delayed for this season at least, with Fabre keen to prepare the horse in France for the remainder of his 3yo European season.
The 3000m Group 3 Prix Gerald de Geoffre at Longchamp on August 31 is seen as a logical next step, with the 3000m Group 2 Prix Chaudenay at Longchamp on September 30 a subsequent target.
From the immediate impression generated from Saturday’s race, Sevenna’s Knight is one to watch out for.