Siyouma Holds Off Elusive Kate in Sun Chariot

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Photo: Trevor Jones

Siyouma (left) fights off Elusive Kate to win the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes.
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By Myra Lewyn

The connections of French-based filly Siyouma have their eyes on some of the world's top races this fall after she repelled a bid from an unlucky Elusive Kate and landed the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes (Eng-I) Sept. 29 at Newmarket.

Following three consecutive wins in the one-mile race by French filly Sahpresa, Siyouma continued the roll for France, winning by three-quarters of length from Prix Rothschild (Fr-I) winner Elusive Kate, who bravely overcame a nightmare start. She stumbled badly out of the gate and lost a shoe before veering off to the left, most likely costing her the victory.

Siyouma was third behind Giofra and Elusive Kate in the Etihad Airways Falmouth Stakes (Eng-I) in July at Newmarket, and after finishing fifth to Snow Fairy in Darley Prix Jean Romanet (Fr-I) in August at Deauville, she returned to Rowley Mile seeking a breakthrough win at the top level.

Ridden by Gerald Mosse, Siyouma pursed pacesetter Laugh Out Loud, who established a clear advantage early, and took control with a furlong remaining. Recovered from her misfortune at the start, Elusive Kate menaced on the outside but could not get to the winner and finished a game second.

Siyouma finished the trip in 1:34.66 as a 12-to-1 outsider on turf rated as good. She has four wins, including the Prix Corrida (Fr-II) in May at Saint-Cloud, and three thirds from nine career starts.

"She could go for the E.P. Taylor [Stakes (Can-IT) Oct. 14] now as Woodbine would be a suitable track," trainer Francois Doumen told England's Press Association the 4-year-old Medicean filly. "There is also a mile race in Japan and then Hong Kong at the end of the year. I'm not tempted by the Breeders' Cup."

Laugh Out Loud held for third, 1 3/4 lengths behind Elusive Kate. Beauty Parlour, the 13-to-8 favorite in the eight-horse field, was never a factor after being bumped and bothered at the start and finished seventh.

Though based in France with Doumen, Siyouma is campaigned by Englishman Robert Jeffcock, who has established a new stud in Normandy. Doumen purchased her last December her for $294,580 out of the Aga Khan Studs consignment at the Arqana breeding stock sale.

A half sister to French group I winner and sire Siyouni  , she was produced by the Danehill mare Sichilla and is from the family of multiple European group I winner and sire Slickly.

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