Brilliant Irish Oaks (Ire-I) winner Shawanda turned in another scintillating performance when winning the Prix Vermeille Lucien Barriere (Fr-I) on Sunday at Longchamp.
The winning margin was only three-quarters of a length over Royal Highness, but jockey Christophe Soumillon had given the filly a confident ride, and had her eased the last few strides. She certainly could have won by more. "It was clearly just a piece of work," Soumillon told The Racing Post
Next up for the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained daughter of Sinndar will be the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) on Oct. 2. The filly may be the sole representative for the Aga Khan in Europe's premiere race due to Azamour's lackluster fifth-place performance in the Irish Champion Stakes (Ire-I) on Saturday. Prix Niel Casino Barriere
Hurricane Run returned from a summer vacation to easily win the Prix Niel Casino Barriere (Fr-II) by three lengths at Longchamp on Sunday. Kieren Fallon again was aboard the son of Montjeu, who recorded his first win in the silks of Michael Tabor. Tabor and his partners, Susan Magnier and Derrick Smith, had purchased the colt shortly before his win in the Budweiser Irish Derby (Ire-I) in June.
Stablemate Runaway finished second, with Perfect Hedge third.Prix Foy
Pride, one of only two mares in the field, showed the boys how it's done Sunday when winning the Prix Foy (Fr-II) by 2 1/2 lengths over Alkaased. Her next start is expected to be the Prix de l'Opera (Fr-I) on Oct. 2. Alkaased, who appeared a bit rusty in his first start since capturing the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-I) in June, more than likely will return for the Arc, as will third place finisher, Shirocco.