Charlie Appleby's Romantic Style solidified her reputation as a contender in the French Classic races by winning the Prix Imprudence at Deauville.
The filly had an impressive record as a young horse, triumphing in both a Yarmouth novice race and the prestigious Listed Bosra Sham Stakes at Newmarket to conclude her season.
She was trying out a longer distance of seven furlongs in challenging conditions in France, where she also encountered a higher level of competition when participating in a Group Three race for the first time.
Despite potential obstacles, she overcame them and, with William Buick as her jockey, won by a narrow margin against Christopher Head's highly regarded filly, Ramatuelle.
"I'm thrilled," Appleby expressed to Sky Sports Racing, emphasising the anticipation surrounding this particular filly for the race.
Going up to a mile would be the furthest she could go, and we believed that if we had stayed local and participated in a trial at Newbury, it would have been more similar to an English Guineas. However, I think she will need help to handle a mile over the English distance at Newmarket.
"We believed that this location would be more advantageous, providing her with additional time before the French Guineas."
William was thrilled, expressing that she was new but moved smoothly in his grasp.
She executed her strategy flawlessly, opting for a calculated approach by staying close to another horse. When she accelerated, I had a strong sense that they would maintain their lead.