Foret The Focus For Group 3 Winner By Starspangledbanner

Group 1 targets are on the agenda for Exxtra (4f Starspangledbanner – Rolling Stone, by Raven’s Pass) after Carlos and Yann Lerner’s filly recorded her third Stakes success in the Group 3 Prix du Palais-Royal at Longchamp.

The Anja Wilde-owned bay returned last month to finish a close second in a Listed race over course and distance, and was ridden by Alexis Pouchin for the first time on Sunday. Racing towards the back of the field in the early stages, she made headway from over two furlongs out and produced a challenge entering the final furlong. Soon in front, she kept on strongly to score by a length and a half.

“She was kept in training to target the Prix de la Foret again,” Carlos Lerner explained after the race. “She had come on a lot from her first race this year and was spot-on for today. I would imagine that she will run this summer in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest in Deauville before the Foret.”

Bred by Corbani and Jedburgh Stud, Exxtra is the best performer to date out of Rolling Stone. She continues a fine run for Starspangledbanner, whose son Midnight Strike (Starspangledbanner) finished third in the Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes the previous day, while fellow juvenile Sparkling Sea (Starspangledbanner) took second in a recent Group 3.