Further Group Success For Wootton Bassett
Grey Man (2c Wootton Bassett - Top Toss, by Linamix) became Wootton Bassett’s second juvenile Group winner in as many days when justifying favouritism in the Group 3 Circus Maximus Prix Francois Boutin at Deauville.
A debut winner in June, Patrice Cottier’s charge proved a class above last time out when drawing five and a half lengths clear in a conditions race at Clairefontaine. Dropping back to seven furlongs on Sunday, he was partnered by regular rider Marvin Grandin and raced close to the pace throughout. Producing a challenge with over two furlongs left to race, he led soon after and was ridden approaching the final furlong. Keeping on strongly, he led by a length on the line as Irish raider Mythology (Starspangledbanner) finished second. The pair drew six lengths clear of the third.
“We were convinced beforehand that the horse had a great chance,” co-owner Jean-Philippe Dubois later revealed. “He had improved again from his last run and today it looked like he had the race won two out. For sure, he is a very good one. We shall see how he comes out of the race and then we'll decide what will be next. Right now I don't know, but there are plenty of opportunities.”
Bred by Lady O’Reilly’s Ecurie Skymarc Farm, Grey Man becomes a 25th individual Group winner by Wootton Bassett. Coolmore Stud’s recruit celebrated a seventh Group 1 winner the previous day when Bucanero Fuerte drew four lengths clear in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.