Whipper Whirls Away in Prix Morny Mud

The favorites flopped in an unexpectedly strong rainstorm affecting the Prix Morny-Casinos Barriere (Fr-I) for 2-year-olds at Deauville Sunday, and 26-1 shot Whipper took advantage to score a two-length victory over the 5-2 public choice Much Faster.

The Elias Zaccour-owned colt Whipper covered the six furlongs on heavy ground listed as "good to soft" in a time of 1:14.

Ridden by Sebastian Maillot, the son of Miesque's Son was always in good position in second place behind the frontrunning favorite, collaring the leader a furlong out and outrunning Much Faster, who failed to quicken. Denebola came on well late and just missed the second spot by a short head.

Ballydoyle runner Old Deuteronomy ran well in the conditions to be fourth, seven lengths behind the winner.

Robert Collet trained the winner, who debuted in a group III race before winning earlier in the month at Chateaubriand. Maillot got his first ever group victory.

"I am really delighted for Sebastian Maillot as he's been a very faithful rider for my stable," Collet told the Racing Post. "This result was no surprise. Whipper's in all top races and probably goes next for the Grand Criterium."

Much Faster looked like a sure winner a furlong from home before coming up empty for Thierry Thulliez.

"We were left alone in front for rather a long time and finally became a sitting target, her trainer Pascal Bary said.

"She didn't have the same action on this ground and was going an extra 100 meters for the first time," Thulliez said. "She was the best filly in the race and we beat all the British."