G3 Victory for Undefeated Wootton Bassett Colt

Unbeaten colt Topgear (2c Wootton Bassett x Miss Lech, by Giant's Causeway) scored a determined win in the Group III Prix Eclipse (1200m) at Chantilly to become the latest two year-old stakes-winner for Wootton Bassett.

Trained by Fabrice Chappet, Topgear had won his two previous outings at Deauville and made the step up to Black Type company with a stylish effort.

He tracked the leaders in fourth place before accelerating to the front and had enough left at the finish to repel a late challenge from German trained entry Best Flying to win by a short neck.

“That was a good performance and he kept his unbeaten record intact,” said Fabrice Chappet.

“He won over six-and-a-half [furlongs] last time, but I felt it was not yet the time to stretch him out. I thought this six [furlongs] would suit him anyway. He's entered in the [Oct. 3 G1] Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere over seven [furlongs] on Arc day, but he will also be entered in the [six-furlong G2] Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte. At this stage, the latter seems the more logical step.”

Topgear was a 200,000 euro purchase from the Arqana Deauville Yearling Sale last year and is the best of three winners from Miss Lech, a winning half-sister by Giant’s Causeway to Group II winner Guilt Trip. The extended family is noted for producing Melbourne Cup winner Americain.

Topgear is the 24th stakes-winner for Wootton Bassett, who is in Australia this spring at a fee of $71,500.

Wootton Bassett has had 15 two year-old winners this year including five stakes-winners and a further three stakes-placed horses.