G1 Next for Henri Matisse

Exciting prospect Henri Matisse (2c Wootton Bassett x Immortal Verse, by Pivotal) went on his winning way overnight at the Curragh when he accelerated brilliantly to win the Group II Futurity Stakes (7f) as a short priced favourite.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Henri Matisse had won his only two previous starts at the same track in May and June with a last start win in the Group II Railway Stakes.

Trying 7f for the first time, Henri Matisse took a little while to hit top gear, but was strong through the line and despite shying near the end of the race had enough class to win by a length keeping his record at a perfect three for three.

“He's lazy and he quickens,” Aidan O'Brien said.

“That is what he was doing over six and when he can do it over seven, you would be delighted really. He has that turn of foot. He swerved when he got there. He's green and is still a baby obviously. The plan is to go for the National Stakes (G1).”

Bred by the Immortal Verse Syndicate and retained to race by the Coolmore partners, Henri Matisse is a half-brother to Champion European 2YO Filly and dual Group I winner Tenebrism as well as Group II winner Statuette being the third stakes-winner among five winners from dual Group I winning Pivotal mare Immortal Verse.

It’s an elite Black Type packed family that features champion sire Last Tycoon.

Wootton Bassett will have his first Australian runners this season and is back in Australia this spring.