Graft (U S Navy Flag) took out the Listed Prix La Fleche at Chantilly yesterday for owners Henry Chavancy, Antoinette Kavanagh and Josephine Soudan, the latter also the victorious trainer.

Held up in touch in the early stages, he won in a manner reminiscent of his sire and indeed his grandsire, after coasting to the front and repelling the prominent half-length second Super Soldier (Dark Angel), who did well to hold on for minor honours after forcing a strong gallop.

Kimi Rey (Kingman) was doing her best work at the finish to take third, beaten a length.

Bred by part-owner Antoinette Kavanagh’s son Rodgie, this was his first win at the fourth attempt, though he was placed in each of his three starts prior, including once over course and distance when second by a neck to Kimi Rey.

Out of Preobrajenska, a winning Paco Boy half-sister to the Gr.1 Prix Morny winner and 2018 Champion Two-Year-Old filly in Britain and France, Pretty Pollyanna (Oasis Dream), he is kin to one other winner.

It is the family of the Gredley’s Gr.1 Irish Oaks and Gr.1 St Leger winner User Friendly (Slip Anchor).

Soudan was delighted in the aftermath, paying compliments to the connections and, speaking to Sky Sports Racing, gave an explanation regarding his apparent improvement: “It’s unbelievable. We are very lucky to have this horse, he is very tough. It’s very good for all of the owners and breeder, Roderick Kavanagh, he does a very good job. First time out he was around fillies in the stalls and found it difficult to concentrate. Second time out, he was young and green and third time it was a bit long for him [1200m].

Today we wanted to ride him from behind and kick. It was a perfect ride and perfect day.” Despite getting loose whilst pulling up, Graft was reported unscathed from his misdemeanours and the Gr.3 Prix du Bois was not ruled out as a possible target in the future.

-European Bloodstock News