Archie Watson and Wathnan Racing’s Electrolyte is set to make a return to Chantilly following his victory in the Prix Eclipse on Saturday.
The colt impressed on debut at Ayr in June, but narrowly missed out in the Coventry at Royal Ascot, finishing just a nose behind the winner. He then placed fifth in the July Stakes, followed by a seventh-place finish in the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood after stepping up to seven furlongs.
Realising that six furlongs were his preferred distance, connections opted to enter the Hello Youmzain colt in the Group Three Prix Eclipse at Chantilly. There, he led from the start under Mickael Barzalona, ultimately winning by a nose after fending off a late challenge from Polyvega.
Watson previously enjoyed success in the Prix Eclipse with Eddie’s Boy in 2022, who later finished as the runner-up in the Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte against a strong contender from Roger Varian.
Electrolyte could follow a similar path, with plans for him to return to Group Two competition at Chantilly in the Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte.
"We were absolutely delighted with his performance. After Goodwood, we gave him a break at Hillwood Stud and let him spend some time in the field," said Richard Brown, European racing manager for Wathnan Racing. "That really freshened him up, and it was a very encouraging run. Mickael Barzalona gave him a brilliant ride, letting him settle in front. Six furlongs is definitely his game; we tried seven, and it didn’t suit him. Overall, we were very pleased with how he ran. The most likely next race for him is the Group Two back at Chantilly, the Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte, and that’s what we’re now aiming for."