Exciting Colt Kicks Off Stakes Double For Churchill

Fast Tracker (3c Churchill – Emma Knows, by Anabaa) completed the first leg of a Stakes double for Churchill on Thursday when storming clear in the Listed Prix de Suresnes at Chantilly.

Henri-Alex Pantall’s charge came into the race following back-to-back wins, most recently winning a Class 2 contest at Saint-Cloud in impressive fashion. Reunited with Tony Piccone on Thursday, he made all of the running over ten furlongs and was asked to quicken with a quarter of a mile left to race. Soon clear, he went on to win by seven lengths.

“Today was a test,” said Pantall. “We wished to find out if he is really good and the answer seems to be yes. We have to be cautious because today and last time the ground was very testing. It could be to his advantage and against the others. We will have the answer when he runs again and, at this very moment, it looks like it will be in the Prix du Jockey Club.”

Owned by Guy Heald, the Group 1 hopeful was bred by the GB Partnership out of a half-sister to Group performer King Of Camelot (Camelot).

Over at Chelmsford that evening, the progressive Pandora’s Gift (3f Churchill – Amthaal, by Exceed And Excel) recorded her fourth consecutive success in the Listed Chelmer Fillies’ Stakes.

The Stuart Williams-trained filly was sent off favourite for the six furlong feature and raced prominently throughout under Rossa Ryan. Improving to lead approaching the final furlong, she ran on well to win by two and a half lengths. The performance suggests another step up in class is now on the cards for the winner, who holds an entry in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.

Owned by James Parry and partners, the daughter of Churchill was bred by Rossenarra Bloodstock.