Wootton Bassett Colt Raids Listed Prize At Deauville

Apples And Bananas (2c Wootton Bassett – Simannka, by Mastercraftsman) took another step forward on Saturday to justify favouritism in the Listed Criterium du Fonds Europeen de l’Elevage at Deauville.

Joseph O’Brien’s charge won a maiden at Killarney last month and enjoyed a boost when runner-up Puppet Master (Camelot) went on to win by four lengths at the Galway Festival.

Reunited with Dylan Brown McMonagle at Deauville, the bay led from an early stage in the mile contest and was shaken up before the two furlong pole. Ridden as they entered the final furlong, the son of Wootton Bassett kept on well to score by three parts of a length, with another three and a half lengths back to the third horse.

“He’s a nice colt,” the winning trainer commented. “He’s stepping forward from race to race and this was another step forward from his maiden win last time. He’s tough and Dylan [Brown McMonagle] said he kept finding all the way to the line. He looks a nice colt for the future and will probably now go for the Goffs Million.

Bred by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, Apples And Bananas is owned by Maclennan, Shanahan and Magnier.