Beauty Parlour justified her favoritism when she held off the challenge of Up to win the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, or French One Thousand Guineas (Fr-I), at Longchamp May 13.
With the victory in the Pouliches, the daughter of Deep Impact remains undefeated in four lifetime starts for trainer Elie Lellouche. Beauty Parlour entered the classic off an impressive victory in the Prix de La Grotte (Fr-III) April 15.
Jockey Christophe Soumillon settled Beauty Parlour mid-pack as Samitar set the pace. Regatta sat just off Samitar in second, with Cheriearch in third. Aidan O’Brien’s two runners, Up and After, raced toward the rear of the field early.
As the leaders entered the long home straight Regatta overtook Samitar and opened up a slight lead. Soumillon never appeared concerned, though, since Beauty Parlour was in full flight and in the clear on the outside. They set their sights on Regatta and began to reel in the new leader with just over a furlong to run.
Under a strong drive by Soumillon, Beauty Parlour soon overtook Regatta and assumed command. At the same time, Joseph O’Brien finally had Up clear of traffic. The duo came charging through the stretch but it was too late, as Beauty Parlour held on to win by a length.
Topeka finished third, another 1 3/4 lengths farther back, with O’Brien’s other runner, After, closing strongly to finish fourth.
Final time for the eight furlongs was 1:37.15 over the good to soft going.
Beauty Parlour was bred in England by Dayton Investments and races for Ecurie Wildenstein. The 3-year-old bay filly is out of the stakes-winning Giant's Causeway mare Bastet, and hails from the immediate family of Australian champion Might and Power.