Son Of Wootton Bassett Strikes Late In Longchamp Group 3

Presage Nocturne (5h Wootton Bassett – Kyurem, by Verglas) came out on top in a thrilling finish to Sunday’s Group 3 Prix de Barbeville at Longchamp.

Alessandro Botti’s charge was having his first start since finishing fourth in the valuable Red Sea Handicap in Saudi Arabia in February, with Stephane Pasquier taking the ride in the mile-and-seven-furlong contest. Racing towards the back of the field for much of the way, the grey made headway on the outside after passing the four-furlong marker and was shaken up two furlongs from home. He ran on well to lead close home and beat the favourite by a head, while another late challenger took third.

“He went straight to the farm for a two-week break after he returned from Saudi Arabia,” Botti later explained. “He was doing really well for it and I was quite confident that he would run a great race. The lack of pace during the contest made me a bit nervous, but Stephane Pasquier was perfect and gave him a great ride.

“He now has options such as the Group 1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier back here at this track next month and the Grade 2 Belmont Gold Cup in June. We will take some time in making our decision and hope it will be the right one.”

The lightly-raced five-year-old proved progressive last year, placing in a Group 3 before landing a Listed race at Deauville. Bred by Haras de la Perelle, the Wootton Bassett entire is owned by a partnership featuring Paolo Zambelli and Carlo Pellegatti.