Andre Fabre was entirely unfazed by Tribalist's victory in the Prix du Moulin last week, despite the five-year-old being considered an outsider in a competitive field featuring Charyn, Henry Longfellow, and Notable Speech.
Tribalist, who took an early lead and held on to win by a length and a half, was expertly ridden by Mickael Barzalona. Fabre believed that Tribalist’s previous Group victories should have earned him more respect from observers.
"I wasn’t at all surprised by his win," Fabre remarked. "What surprised me was how many people were surprised!"
"He has impressive form, with five previous Group wins, and he always won those races stylishly. His only recent defeats came when we altered his tactics and dropped him in, like in Hong Kong or Deauville, where he raced over six furlongs. Remember, he defeated Facteur Cheval at Saint-Cloud last year."
Fabre noted that giving a horse of Tribalist’s calibre such a big lead is unusual in French races but praised Barzalona's ride as exceptional.
Next up for Tribalist is the Prix de la Forêt, where Fabre anticipates that the seven-furlong distance will suit him well. The Breeders' Cup is also a potential target, and Fabre plans to discuss this option with Sheikh Mohammed.