The Group I Prix Maurice de Gheest (1300m) was run at Deauville overnight with emerging bloodstock superpowers Wathan Racing and Resolute Racing expected to fight out the finish with their last start G1 winners Lazzat and Woodshauna, but there was a horse that had other ideas.
Lazzat led for home and faded to second, Woodshauna charged late to grab third with the win going to the Andre Fabre trained four year-old Sajir ridden by Oisin Murphy.
Sajir is a multiple Group winner that had won two of his three previous starts this year, but the son of Makri stallion Make Believe soared to new heights with his first G1 victory with his overall record now six wins and three placings from 12 starts.
“That was brilliant. He relaxed very well. I was a little bit behind but the speed was on and I tried not to get there too soon. Sajir has probably improved at least 7lb on any form he'd previously shown,” said Oisin Murphy.
“He was in cruise control for most of the race.”
Sajir is a homebred for Prince Faisal and is the best of two winners from Group III placed Invincible Spirit mare Simple Magic, a sister to stakes-winners Arctic Gyr and Festivale.
“This is the first time I’ve had him at 100 per cent,” said Andre Fabre.
“He’s always had some minor issues, but today he was in perfect condition.
“It couldn’t be better, and Prince Faisal is a great man. He’s a great breeder and a great person, so I’m delighted for him.”
Sajir is the second Group I winner among 18 stakes-winners for Make Believe, who stands at Ballylinch Stud at a fee of 8,000 euros.
