Wavering stormed down the center of the course to post a mild upset in the $353,785 Montjeu Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary (Fr-I) at Longchamp May 22.
The daughter of Refuse To Bend provided her 19-year-old jockey, Mickael Barzalona, with the first group I victory of his career.
Ridden with confidence by Barzalona, Wavering was settled toward the rear of the field early as Don't Hurry Me went to the front to set the pace. She was followed closely by Queen Menantie in second, with Nonsuch Way and Glorious Sight hot on her heels in third and fourth, respectively.
Don’t Hurry Me continued to lead the way as the field of 12 fillies entered the home straight. Favored Epic Love made her bid from mid-pack and quickly cut into the lead, rolling up to challenge the longtime leader with less than two furlongs to run.
Epic Love assumed the lead and appeared to be the winner as Don’t Hurry Me began to fade. Wavering had something else in mind, however, as she charged down the outside of the course to snatch the victory away from Epic Love at the wire.
The final margin of victory was a short neck, with Nonsuch Way another neck back in third. The final time for the 10 furlongs was 2:05.80 over a good turf course.
Wavering provided trainer Andre Fabre with his eighth victory in the Prix Saint-Alary. Owned by Godolphin, Wavering was bred in Ireland by Darley Stud Management Company. The 3-year-old bay filly is out of the stakes-winning Darshaan mare Summertime Legacy, and hails from the immediate family of champion Golden Fleece.
Wavering, outside, wins the Prix Saint-Alary.
John Gilmore