Blue Rose Cen blooms with Classic glory
Blue Rose Cen further enhanced her tall reputation with a clear-cut success in the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp.
Christopher Head’s filly had won each of her three previous starts over the course and distance, including a Group One success in last season’s Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc weekend.
Having looked as good as ever on her reappearance in last month’s Prix de la Grotte, Blue Rose Cen was a hot favourite to provide her trainer with a first Classic win and delivered in style.
🌟 She's a superstar! 🌟
Blue Rose Cen quickens away to win the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches at @paris_longchamp for @lemaitre60LA and @CHeadRacing! pic.twitter.com/ZcSO7vUcBd
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 14, 2023
Ridden by Aurelien Lemaitre, the daughter of Churchill sat in the slipstream of the pacesetting Sauterne for much of the way before being asked for her effort in the straight.
The response was not immediate, with Blue Rose Cen taking a while to find top gear, but once she did she propelled herself clear of her rivals and was well on top at the line.
Lindy came through to beat Sauterne to the runner-up spot, with Aidan O’Brien’s Never Ending Story and the Karl Burke-trained Swingalong both unable to get involved in the finish.
Head said: “I don’t think that the magnitude of this success has sunk in yet. It’s really incredible.
“Blue Rose Cen is a filly I adore. I’ve been training her since she came to me, and she’s got tougher with time.”
Coral make Blue Rose Cen their 2-1 market leader to complete a Classic double in the French Oaks, the Prix de Diane, while Paddy Power have her as a 3-1 co-favourite alongside Andre Fabre’s Pensee Du Jour and John and Thady Gosden’s recent Newmarket victor Running Lion.
“The goal now is to go for the Prix de Diane Longines. Her pedigree suggests she will be able to go longer.
“We could have contemplated going for the Group One Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, but it’s better to stick with the French programme.”
"She's a star!" – A delighted @CHeadRacing tells @KfordCailler that French 1000 Guineas heroine Blue Rose Cen will line up next in the Prix de Diane… pic.twitter.com/1kd8DX5Usp
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 14, 2023
Lindy’s trainer Christophe Ferland is eager for a rematch in the 10-furlong Prix de Diane.
He said: “Only victory provides for the ultimate experience. Yet in the cold light of day, this second place feels just as good.
“Lindy is great. She finished second in the Prix de la Grotte, and today she did likewise in the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.
“She is a genuine contender for the Prix de Diane. Tonight she will return to her box at Chantilly and we will prepare her calmly, and in a serene frame of mind, for the Prix de Diane. So see you in a month’s time at Chantilly!
“She is capable of winning a Group One race, of that I am sure.”
Never Ending Story was beaten five lengths in fifth and O’Brien could consider a step up in trip with her.
He said: “She ran a clean race. She’s a consistent filly.
“She produced a good finish and should be able to go longer, but, for the moment, nothing has been decided about where she goes next.”
