The Prix Niel has long been considered an important lead up race for 3yo’s aimed at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in early October. Although the early favourite for the race, English Derby winner Adayar, will no longer start, this year is no exception with some of Europe’s better colts lining up for the Group 2 event.
Recently acquired by OTI, Timour will be one of six starters in the race. While it was initially planned to go to a Listed race at St Cloud on Friday, André Fabre has decided that the striking colt is up to the quality of the Group 2 event.
OTI’s decade long relationship with Fabre has been the backbone of our sustained success with French racing. Au Revoir, Grey Lion and Montclair are among the numerous stakes winners referred from the stable.
Timour, a 3yo son of Gleneagles, is out of the multiple stakes winning mare, Rock My Soul. This also makes him a half-brother to OTI’s Young Rascal, a multiple Group 3 winner. From his six starts he has a win, two seconds, two thirds and a fourth. He’s rated 99 (45 in France).
Following Sunday’s run, a decision will be made whether he comes direct to Sydney for the Rosehill Gold Cup on October 30, or continues to race in France with the aim of coming out to Australia on the Sydney Easter Carnival quarantine flight (as Young Rascal did in 2020).
Timour is a most exciting proposition for racing when he eventually gets to Australia. Given he is still maturing, his new owners can look forward to him developing into a weight-for-age performer at 2000m plus. They hope that Sunday’s race will be the first step in that progression.
