Churchill Colt Remains Unbeaten With Smart Stakes Success

Vadeni (2c Churchill - Vaderana, by Monsun) made it a perfect two from two when running out an impressive winner of the Listed Criterium du Fonds Europeen de L’Elevage at Deauville on Saturday afternoon.

A smart winner on debut last month, Jean-Claude Rouget’s charge stepped up to a mile on his second start and cruised into contention early in the straight. Pushed along to lead by Christophe Soumillon, he quickened clear under hands and heels to win by two lengths.

The Aga Khan homebred has clearly impressed connections at home, having earned himself an entry in the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere in October. Vadeni becomes a second Stakes winner by Churchill, following a taking performance by Ladies Church in the Listed Marwell Stakes. Other black-type performers include Group 3 third Unconquerable (Churchill) and Group 2 Futurity Stakes third The Acropolis (Churchill).

Earlier that day at Sandown, the William Haggas-trained Hamaki (2c Churchill - Sarawati, by Haafhd) registered his second consecutive success in fine style under Richard Kingscote.

The winner of a six furlong maiden earlier this month, the Simon Munir and Isaac Souede owned bay raced towards the back of the field on Saturday and was pushed along from over two furlongs out. Making good headway approaching the final furlong, he led close home and kept on to win by a length and a half, going away.

Bred by Pigeon Park Stud, Hamaki was bought by Highflyer bloodstock as a yearling for £150,000.