Lawman Captures Prix Jean Prat

Lawman captured another group I victory in front-running style when dominating the Prix Jean Prat (Fr-I) at a rain-soaked Chantilly on Sunday.

Making his first start since landing ten furlong Prix du Jockey-Club-Mitsubishi Motors (Fr-I) in early June, Lawman was dropping back to eight furlongs for the Prix Jean Prat.  Distance proved not to be a problem as jockey Olivier Peslier shot Lawman to the front soon after the break, and the pair led the field at a leisurely gallop through the steady rain for the first six furlongs.

With just under two furlongs left, Lawman spurted clear of the field with Stoneside giving chase in second.  It was all in vain, however, as Lawman won under a hand ride by three lengths.

Stoneside held on for second, 1 1/2-lengths in front of Golden Titus.  Astronomer Royal, winner of the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Fr-I) in May, never was able to handle the soft going and struggled home in fourth.

Time for the eight furlongs over the course rated good to soft was 1:41.2.

Enrico Ciampi, who owns the colt in partnership along with Claudio Marzocco told reporters after the race, “We’d like to take him to the Prix Jacques le Marois (Fr-I) and then perhaps the Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-I) at Leopardstown.  He’s done everything we’ve asked of him and is a true champion, coping with every type of ground.”

Olivier Peslier, who was back aboard the colt for the Prix Jean Prat after having a prior commitment in the French Derby, was naturally delighted, stating afterwards, “I’m so happy to be able to give (trainer) Jean-Marie (Beguigne) a group I, as I ride out at his stable most mornings.  I’ve ridden a lot of champions in my time and Lawman is up there in that group.”

Lawman is a 3-year-old bay colt from the first crop of Invincible Spirit, out of the Gulch mare, Laramie.  He is a half-brother to French champion 3-year-old filly, Latice.