Tin Horse emerges as French challenger to Frankel with French Guineas win

This article titled Tin Horse emerges as French challenger to Frankel with Guineas win was written by Greg Wood, for The Guardian on Sunday 15th May 2011 18.22 UTC

Paul Hanagan and Richard Fahey have chalked off one achievement after another over the past 12 months, but a first Classic success proved beyond them here on Sunday as Wootton Bassett, who was unbeaten in his five starts in 2010, could finish only fifth behind Tin Horse in the Poule dEssai des Poulains, the French 2,000 Guineas. The winner, who quickened impressively in the final furlong, may now travel to Royal Ascot to lead the French challenge to Frankel in the St Jamess Palace Stakes.

Wootton Bassett was returning to the scene of his win in last years Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère on Arc day, which was a first Group One success for both Hanagan and Fahey, and was a strong favourite at 2-1 despite a wide draw.

Hanagan, who won his first jockeys title a month after the colts last outing, was slick from the gate and soon in front, just as he had been last October, but with two furlongs to run there were clearly horses behind him going much more smoothly.

One of those was Havane Smoker, who took Wootton Bassetts measure just inside the final furlong, but his finishing kick was no match for the acceleration of Tin Horse, who quickly carried Thierry Jarnet two lengths clear at the line. The winner paid just over 8-1 on the pari-mutuel.

Paul just thought he was a bit fresh, Fahey said. He thought he did a bit too much and just didnt get home. He hit the lids great, then he gave him a bit of a squeeze and he took off with him a bit.

It was his first day back at school, it could be worse. Id like to get him home before I say anything [about where he will race next].

Tin Horse had dead-heated for second behind Wootton Bassett in the Lagardère, and also finished just a length and a half behind Dream Ahead, another of last seasons top two-year-olds, in the Prix Morny. He also found trouble in running when only third on his seasonal debut, and while Frankel will pose an altogether different challenge if Tin Horse heads to Ascot, Didier Guillemins colt should not be dismissed out of hand.

The Poule dEssai des Pouliches, the French 1,000 Guineas, also remained at home as André Fabres Golden Lilac, the 6-4 favourite, extended her unbeaten record to four starts with an impressive three-length success. The Prix de Diane (French Oaks) next month is expected to be her next start.

Golden Lilac did well to stretch so far clear of her opponents after a race run at a pedestrian pace in which the first, second and third were second, first and fourth respectively as they turned for home.

The British-trained runners Rimth, Zoowra and Maqaasid were among those who failed to make any impression in the straight, though Wild Wind, from Aidan OBriens stable in Ireland, ran well to finish third.

Inxile was disqualified from the Prix de Saint-Georges two years ago after passing the post in front, but the David Nicholls-trained sprinter returned to take the Group Three event despite appearing from almost every angle to have been second at best.

Inxile, Captain Dunne and the fast-finishing Split Trois were locked together at the line, but Adrian Nicholls, Inxiles jockey, seemed as surprised as anyone when his mount was announced as having got up to beat Captain Dunne by a nose.

David Nicholls will now plan the rest of Inxiles campaign around a return to Longchamp for the Group One Prix de lAbbaye on Arc day.

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