A son of Coolmore shuttler Wootton Bassett (GB), progressive two year-old colt Nighttime made it three wins in a row when stepping up in class to win the Group III Prix la Rochette (1400m) at Longchamp overnight.
Trained by Christopher Head, Nighttime won the Listed Prix Roland de Chambure (1400m) in July and was having his first outing since then.
Ridden by Maxime Guyon, he forged clear of his rivals to win by three-quarters of a length and has now won three of four starts.
“Nighttime confirmed today everything he had shown in his previous starts–quality and class,” said Christopher Head.
“He has the speed to do well over that distance and Wootton Bassett is an amazing sire.
“Beforehand, it was the intention to go for the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1 on October 5) and now, more than ever, we want to go. This really looked like the perfect preparation. He goes on any ground, he has a lovely temperament, and thinking about the future, I feel that he ticks all boxes to be a Classic prospect next season.”
A homebred for Wertheimer & Frere, Nighttime is a half-brother to Group III winner Halfday and is the second winner from three foals to race from blueblood Frankel mare Daytime.
The Juddmonte bred Daytime had just one start for a placing and is a sibling to Group III winner Midterm and stakes-winners Noon Star and Mori from Champion Older Mare Midday, a six time Group I winner, who notably won the Group I Nassau Stakes at Goodwood three times!
Nighttime is bred for greatness and is one of 26 2YO winners in the Northern Hemisphere this year for Wootton Bassett that include six stakes-winners.
Wootton Bassett will be back at Coolmore Australia this spring at a fee of $385,000.