Progressive Ziyad wins French black-type for Rock

Ziyad (3g Rock Of Gibraltar-Arme Ancienne, by Sillery) confirmed himself a classy staying prospect when cruising home to win the Listed Prix Michel Houyvet at Deauville on Sunday.

The Rock Of Gibraltar three-year-old, home-bred by the Wertheimer brothers, has now won three of his four starts this season with trainer Carlos Laffon-Parias now considering a step up in grade.

“He has improved with every run and I knew he would stay well. He might be a nice prospect for next season, but equally the logical next race is the G3 Prix de Lutece (at Longchamp on September 2), so we’ll see.”