Wootton Bassett Colt Captures Valuable Longchamp Prize

Saturday saw Group 1 performer Islandsinthestream (2c Wootton Bassett - A Mist Opportunity, by Foxwedge) lead home a 1-2 for Coolmore sires in the valuable Haras de Bouquetot - Arqana Series Criterium d’Automne at Longchamp.

A debut winner at the Curragh in June, the Joseph O’Brien-trained bay found only Henry Longfellow too good on his next two starts in the Group 2 Futurity and Group 1 National Stakes, and was sent off favourite upon stepping up to a mile in the €200,000 conditions race. Settled towards the back of the field by Maxime Guyon, the bay made his move two and a half furlongs from home and was ridden along a furlong later. Leading soon after, he ran on well inside the final furlong to score by a length and quarter from Minoushka (Starspangledbanner).

Saturday’s successful step up to a mile boosts Islandsinthestream’s Classic hopes for 2024, as he holds an entry in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. The talented son of Wootton Bassett was bred by Haras d’Etreham and Katelanis Bloodstock.