Star Of Seville – courageous winner of the Gr1
The golden summer for Frankie Dettori and John Gosden continued at Chantilly on Sunday as Drakenstein Stud’s resident sire Duke Of Marmalade’s very smart daughter Star Of Seville triumphed under a well-judged ride to win the Gr1 Prix de Diane Longines run over 2100m at Chantilly.
Just over a week after combining to win the Investec Derby with Golden Horn, Dettori and Gosden were again celebrating Classic success as Star Of Seville held off the late challenge of the supplemented Physiocrate.
High on confidence after his Epsom triumph eight days ago, Dettori was in no mood to let his wide draw of 15 in a 17-runner field hamper his chances and was positive from the off, holding a prominent position away from the main group as pacemaker Clarmina was rushed up to lead.
Dettori continued to hold his position away from the pack before moving across to track the leader, gaining a dominant advantage over unbeaten favourite Queen’s Jewel, who raced in the middle of the field having been housed widest of all in stall 17.
Turning for home, Star Of Seville, who had been among those that suffered interference in the closing stages of the Investec Oaks nine days ago, was travelling smoothly for Dettori and he seized the initiative as Clarmina dropped away, kicking clear on his mount with two furlongs remaining.
The challenge from the pack was late in coming with only Physiocrate making up any significant ground to reward her enterprising connections with a second place.
Gosden, who saddled the winner for owner Lady Bamford, became the first British trainer to win the Prix de Diane since Sir Mark Prescott claimed the race with Confidential Lady in 2006.
He said: “I walked the course this morning with the jockey and [owner’s] racing manager and we made a plan. They never come off, except this one did. I’ve always dreamed of winning this race.”
Duke Of Marmalade – exciting young sire
Former Cartier Champion Duke Of Marmalade ended 2014 as the Leading Third Crop Sire in Europe.
A five time winning Gr1 winner himself, Duke Of Marmalade enjoyed a tremendous season last year, when his progeny won major feature races in all of Australia, Britain, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand and Sweden.
Danehill’s champion son is closely related to champion sires A P Indy and AL Mufti.
Duke Of Marmalade, whose Investec Derby winning half brother Ruler Of The World stands his first season at Coolmore this year, has a fine record in South Africa with his handful of runners, which include Mike De Kock’s stakes winner Moofeed.
Original on www,racingpost.com – additional by Sporting Post editorial staff
