Alain de Royer-Dupre: could take Ashlan to America

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

Report: France, Wednesday

Maisons-Laffitte: Prix Matchem (Listed) 1m1f, 3yo colts geldings

THE Aga Khan’s Ashlan (Alain de Royer-Dupre/Christophe Soumillon) just got the better of longtime leader Inordinate to extend his winning sequence to three and set up a potential trip to America.

Soumillon settled the grey son of Dansili at the rear of the six-runner field and came wide and late to snatch the spoils by a short head, having virtually made all in his two previous starts.

“We didn’t want to make the running again so he was waited with,” Royer-Dupre said. “I got the impression he was a little worried by the others which is why he ran wide but he really lengthened well at the finish. To go and run the other one down like that showed he is a classy horse.”

Royer-Dupre struck Group 1 glory in the Secretariat Stakes three years ago with Bayrir – who was only fourth in this race – and could bid to repeat the trick with Ashlan.

“Obviously the Prix Eugene Adam is an option and I think it is likely he will go to Chicago for the Secretariat Stakes as well,” added the trainer.

Inordinate was last seen when finishing fourth to War Dispatch on his seasonal return to action and ran a fine race in defeat here dropped back a furlong.

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