French Derby Hopeful for Wootton Bassett
Two new three year-old stakes-winners in two days for Wootton Bassett with Gala Real (3f Wootton Bassett x Cala Violina, by Lope de Vega) successful on Sunday at Longchamp followed by Wootton Verni (3c Wootton Bassett x Vernie, by Kendargent), who took out the Group III Prix Greffulhe (2100m) at Saint Cloud on Monday.
The Jérôme Andreu-trained colt was tenacious to the line and claimed a neck victory over the race favourite Sunway taking his overall record to five wins from eight starts with this first stakes success.
Wootton Verni won three of four starts last season at two, so is well seasoned for classic success and holds an entry of the Group I Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby)
Purchased for €175,000 from the Arqana Deauville October Yearling Sale, Wootton Verni runs for Jean-Pierre-Joseph Dubois and Jean-Claude Seroul and is the first winner for Vernie, a winning half-sister by Kendargent to Group winners Volta and Calvados Blue.
Wootton Verni is the 42nd stakes-winner for Wootton Bassett, who returns to Australia this spring.