Ange Gabriel Repeats in Group I Saint-Cloud

Sunday's Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-I) proved to be a carbon copy of last year's running as the Eric Libaud-trained Ange Gabriel defeated late-running Polish Summer.

Sulamani, attempting to give Godolphin its 100th group I victory, finished a disappointing fifth but was moved up to fourth when stablemate Millstreet was disqualified from third and placed sixth.

Thierry Jarnet had Ange Gabriel in striking position behind pacesetting Millstreet, ridden by Richard Hills, throughout, taking the lead inside of the final furlong and holding off Polish Summer and jockey Richard Hughes by a half-length. Loxias was moved up to third. The 1 1/2-mile test was completed in 2:30.9 on good going.

Since winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud a year ago, Ange Gabriel has been superb, and the 5-year-old son of Kaldounevees gained sweet revenge on Sulamani for his defeat in the Dubai Sheema Classic in March.

"We were given an excellent lead and Thierry dosed the horse to perfection so he had plenty left at the end," Libaud told The Racing Post. "He gave him an economic ride."

Owner-breeder Antonia Devin said the ultimate goal for Ange Gabriel is the Arc de Triomphe.

Millstreet was taken down for coming off the rail and causing a chain reaction that stopped the charge of Ana Marie, who was moved to fifth.

Sulamani was four lengths behind the winner for Frankie Dettori and Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford offered no excuse.

"Of course we're disappointed he didn't win," he said. "He was fit enough to win today and the firm ground was the same for the others.

"Let's reserve judgement on the horse until later in the season. We know he's top class and for some reason he didn't pick up in the straight."