Starspangledbanner Filly Adds Group 3 To Winning Run

Laulne (2f Starspangledbanner – Lady Francesca, by Montjeu) recorded her third straight win on Sunday when leading home a 1-2 for Coolmore sires in the Group 3 Prix Six Perfections at Deauville.

The Yann Barberot-trained filly finished third to a subsequent Stakes performer on debut, before winning a sprint maiden and made a successful step up to seven furlongs last month. Remaining over that trip at the weekend, she raced close to the pace under Alexis Pouchin and was shaken up with a furlong and a half left to race. Running on well between horses, she led entering the final furlong and kept on well to beat the fast-finishing Classic Flower (Calyx) by half a length.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “We were hopeful beforehand, as the filly had strengthened and gained experience from her three previous starts. She is obviously good, but she also showed there that she is a fighter. We will try not to squeeze the lemon dry and save something for the good races later on like the Prix Marcel Boussac.”

Barberot added that Laulne may contest the Group 2 Prix du Calvados before stepping up to Group 1 level. Owned by Gerard Augustin-Normand, the daughter of Starspangledbanner was bred by Franklin Finance out of the black-type Montjeu mare Lady Francesca.