Shouldvebeenaring’s victory at Deauville
Shouldvebeenaring broke a 12-race winning drought with a late surge to victory in the Group Three Prix de Ris-Orangis at Deauville.
Richard Hannon’s sprinter had been close to victory several times, notably placing in Group One races like the Haydock Sprint Cup and Prix de la Foret last season. Despite recent setbacks at the Curragh and Royal Ascot, the four-year-old responded brilliantly under Sean Levey.
Travelling smoothly, Shouldvebeenaring unleashed a powerful finish in a race dominated by British-trained horses. James Tate’s Electric Storm, guided by Ryan Moore, seemed poised for victory, but Levey surged ahead on the opposite side of the track to win by a head, with Archie Watson’s Shartash finishing neck behind in third.
Reflecting on the race, Levey commented, “It went very well for him. He’s had some funny ones this year. I think his perfect conditions are this trip on a flat track on fast ground, and when he doesn’t get what he likes, he can throw in a bad run. You could see on his run at York, six furlongs on a flat track, he ran a good race, but then on a stiff track at Ascot, he didn’t raise a gallop. When he turns up, he can be quite good. He’s always been a laid-back customer, and he didn’t miss a dance last year, with every run he went up a couple of kilos, he’s always been a good doer. He’s maybe older and wiser now, too. He travelled extremely well today and never looked like losing. He’s been here twice and runs really well twice, so I imagine the Prix Maurice de Gheest will be on the agenda.”
While Moore missed out on Electric Storm, he secured victory with Richard Hughes-trained Fair Angellica in the Listed Prix Amandine. After a disappointing run at Royal Ascot, the filly rebounded impressively over seven furlongs, pulling clear in the final stretch to win by a length and three-quarters.
Overall, both Shouldvebeenaring and Fair Angellica showcased their class with authoritative victories, setting promising paths for their respective campaigns ahead.