Another First Crop Group Winner By Calyx

Classic Flower (2f Calyx - Crown Of Flowers, by Garswood) became a second Group 2 winner by Calyx when producing a smart performance in the Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte at Chantilly.

The Patrice Cottier-trained filly won her first two starts before taking third in the Group 2 Prix Robert Papin and went one place better in the Group 3 Prix Six Perfections next time out. Partnered by Mickael Barzalona on Saturday, she chased the leaders for much of the way and was last to come off the bridle approaching the final furlong. Ridden to lead in the final 125 yards, she quickened smartly to beat the favourite by three parts of a length, with another length and three quarters back to the third horse.

Pauline Chehboub of co-owner Gousserie Racing later said, “Classic Flower had not been blessed with luck in her last couple of races. She was freshened up, the break did her a lot of good and she looked outstanding in the preliminaries today. She deserved to win at this level and will come back next year with Classic ambition.”

Bred by Petches Farm, Classic Flower is owned by Gousserie Racing with Jean-Etienne Dubois. She continues an impressive start at stud by Calyx, whose daughter Persian Dreamer won the Group 2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes earlier in the season. Calyx is also responsible for Group 2 Norfolk Stakes second Malc, the Group-placed Eben Shaddad and the 95-rated Hot Fuss.