Planteur held off the late challenge of Sarafina to score a one-length victory in the Prix Ganay-Prix Air Mauritius (Fr-I) at Longchamp April 30.
Ridden confidently by Christophe Soumillon, the son of Danehill Dancer was settled toward the rear of the pack as Cape Blanco went to the front to set the early pace. Pouvoir Absolu sat just off of Cape Blanco in second, with Cirrus Des Aigles a length further back in third.
Cape Blanco and jockey Jamie Spencer continued to show the way as the field of seven entered the home straight. With just under two furlongs left to run Soumillon went to work aboard Planteur and the duo shot through a narrow opening between Cape Blanco and Cirrus Des Aigles to take the lead.
Sarafina ran on strongly under Christophe Lemaire but had to settle for second, with Cirrus Des Aigles another length further back in third. The final time for the 10 furlongs was 2:07.29 over a course listed as good.
Winning trainer Elie Lellouche said after the race that a trip to Royal Ascot for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Eng-I) was a definite possibility. “He’s done what he was supposed to, and I’m pleased. I suppose Ascot is next.”
The victory improved Planteur’s record to five wins from 11 starts. The 4-year-old colt, who has won both of his starts this season, finished second last year in both the Prix du Jockey-Club (Fr-I) and Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-I).
Planteur was bred in Ireland by Dayton Investments, and races for Ecurie Wildenstein. He is out Plante Rare, an unraced daughter of Giant's Causeway . Planteur hails from the immediate female family of champions Policy Maker, Peintre Celebre, and Pawneese.
Rajaman wins the Group 11 Prix Du Muguet.
John Gilmore