Christophe Soumillion guides Mangoustine to win. PIC: HENRI DURAND
Parilly: Owned in partnership by Qatar Racing Limited, Infinity Nine Horses, Ecurie Des Monceaux and Alexandre Giannotti, Mangoustine (Dark Angel x Zotilla) remains unbeaten following an impressive display when taking the Criterium De Lyon, a Listed contest for two-year-olds over mile, at Lyon-Parilly, France.
Already highly regarded by her trainer Frederic Rossi following her impressive debut, Mangoustine on Thursday made light work of some noteworthy rivals under a cool ride from Christophe Soumillion. The filly looks a classic prospect for next season.
Breaking quickly from the stalls, Mangoustine was taken back and placed in mid-field of the eight runners. Quessigny (Recorder) took the field along at a good rhythm through the first half of the contest.
Mangoustine travelled well throughout and was poised to challenge on the turn for home. Entering the straight, it was Everest Rose (Dubawi) who took over in the lead, but was tracked closely by Mangoustine. Asked for her effort just inside the 400m pole, Mangoustine produced an impressive turn of foot and quickened clear down the outside. Once in front, she was strongly challenged by Toimy Son (Twilight Son).
The pair drew clear, but Mangoustine was always doing enough and went on to win by a length and a quarter from the Yann Barberot-trained and the Gregory Benoist-ridden Toimy Son. The Fabrice Chappet-trained and the Stephane Pasquierridden Rocca Nera (Dream Ahead) was further three lengths back in third.
