Blue-blood Exceed and Excel stallion De Gaulle posted a debut winner at Moe on Saturday in Rosa’s Revenge and he followed up with another at Cranbourne on Thursday when Bonjour de Gaulle saluted in style.
Trained by Trevor Rogers and ridden by Craig Williams, Bonjour de Gaulle showed nice ability in a barrier trial earlier this month and was sent out favourite for the 1000m maiden.
He worked forward from an outside gate to take a position travelling outside the leader, but had to do some work to get there so his effort at the business end of the race was all the more pleasing.
Bonjour de Gaulle took the lead turning for home and gave a good kick to go on and win by a length.
Craig Williams was impressed with the handsome chestnut, who cut an impress figure in the mounting yard.
“He’s been well managed by his owners and I’ve always been told his trainer Trevor Rogers is a great conditioner and a great horseman and he made my job easy today,” said Williams.
“He drew the outside barrier for his first start and had to do a lot of work, but he gave me full confidence.
“He was too good for these horses and has a really nice future.”
Bonjour de Gaulle was bred by Richard Anderson of Quilly Park, who co-owns his sire De Gaulle. He retained the handsome gelding to race and he certainly looks to have more wins in store.
Bonjour de Gaulle is a half-brother to stakes-winner Mystyko and is the fifth winner from six foals to race from good producer Plan the Peace (NZ).
Plan the Peace has a two year-old filly by De Gaulle to follow called Beth.
Bonjour de Gaulle is the fourth winner from eight runners from the first small crop of 15 foals by unraced De Gaulle, who is a half-brother to Golden Slipper winner Estijaab from Group I MRC Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and Group I Robert Sangster Classic winner Response.
The family could be on the improve with the rising 2YO Snitzel colt from Response selling for $2.25 million at Inglis Easter this year and he is among entries for the 2023 Golden Slipper.
De Gaulle stands in conjunction with Quilly Park alongside the promising Dandino, Warhorse, Jungle Ruler and Frankel My Dear at Bombora Downs and his 2022 fee has been set at $5,500.
