Layman Wins Prix de Cabourg With Stevens

Sheikh Mohammed's Layman, bred in Kentucky by Darley, romped to victory in the Prix de Cabourg (Fr-III) for 2-year-olds at Deauville Sunday by five lengths under jockey Gary Stevens.

The impressive chestnut son of Sunday Silence, perhaps the best 2-year-old racing in France this summer, controlled the pace from start to finish, ridden out in the final furlong at odds of 9-2. Trained by Andre Fabre, Layman ran the six furlongs in 1:10.9 on good going.

Inhabitant, who finished a length ahead of Salut Thomas, was second. They were followed by Lady Weasley, Osidy, favored Million Wishes and Beautifix.

"He is a very special colt and did well to win over this distance as he's bred to stay a mile and a half," Stevens told Racing Post.. "He's the best two year-old I've ridden so far and the whole team including his work rider Mathias Sautjeau deserve credit as he is a bit of a lad in the morning. Layman is already like a four year-old and stands out for the moment."

Fabre said the colt will be aimed at the Prix Morny in three weeks.

Also Sunday at Deauville, Speciale, a 2-year-old War Chant filly, won the listed Prix Yacowlef - Haras des Monceaux for trainer Criquette Head-Maarek. Brookdale Thoroughbreds bred the winner.