Byword

Byword was the only one to give Goldikova a race in the Prix D’Ispahan run over nine furlongs at Longchamp last Sunday. Held up off strong pace from the start, Andre Fabre’s colt made smooth progress through the field to challenge two and a half furlongs out. Goldikova matched him there, and she quickly opened up a lead, giving the impression that she would win easily. However, Byword battled on again and made the favourite work all the way to the line, the pair of them finishing 10 lengths clear of their field.

Among all the plaudits for Goldikova, on her seasonal debut, the performance that Byword put up in finishing second has gone under the radar a little. The son of Peintre Celebre was competing in his first Group 1 contest, he is lightly-raced, he may not have reached his peak yet as this was only his seventh ever start, and he still looks to be progressing. He has already taken a listed race and a Group 2 race this year and he looks well capable of winning a Group 1 contest now. This race was run at a solid pace and Byword was running on well at the end, giving the impression that he will be more suited by an extra furlong at least. Connections have talked about the Prince of Wales's Stakes as a next possible assignment, and he would not be a forlorn hope for that. He took to the better ground conditions well here and the probable fast pace of the Prince of Wales's would play to his strengths.

23rd May 2010

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