Frankel colt pounces late in Prix Guillaume d’Ornano
Baroud produced a late, decisive burst to score a convincing victory over the odds-on favourite Daryzan in the Group Two Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville, adding a significant black-type success to his record.
Race overview
The five-runner contest developed into a tactical affair with Montreal, third in the French Derby for Aidan O’Brien, setting the early tempo. Daryzan, sent off as the 11-10 market leader for Francis-Henri Graffard, tracked the leaders on the rail and travelled well into the home straight.
When Daryzan picked up and found a gap inside, it looked as if he might prove hard to peg back. However, Pierre-Charles Boudot angled Baroud to the outside and the Frankel colt accelerated smoothly to collar the favourite inside the final furlong. Baroud went on to score by about two lengths as Montreal weakened to finish fourth.
Implications for the remainder of the season
Baroud’s victory underlines an appreciable progression since earlier in the season. Racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe, representing owner Imad Al Sagar, highlighted the colt’s gradual development and recent encouraging work at home, and indicated a patient plan for the immediate future.
Grimthorpe also noted Baroud’s breeding and performance profile as a Group Two winner by Frankel, suggesting connections are considering options with a view to next year rather than forcing immediate targets. The colt’s liking for fast ground was also mentioned as an influence on where he might be campaigned next.
Another notable mile success
On the same Deauville card, Charlie Appleby’s Hassaleh took the Group Three Darley Prix de Lieurey, making a seamless step up to a mile. Held up in rear early, the three-year-old produced a well-timed run under Christophe Lemaire to lead inside the final furlong and beat Brian Meehan’s Esna by a length, registering a first success at Group level.
Royal Ascot form revisited
The meeting also provided an encouraging update on horses that have already contested major British festivals this season. Wimbledon Hawkeye, purchased by Victorious Racing in July after finishing a close second at Royal Ascot, reversed that form with Map Of Stars in the Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Now trained by George Scott, the Kameko colt produced a battling performance to edge out Map Of Stars by a neck, signifying that his Ascot performance was no fluke and that he has retained his form through the summer.
What it means for festival goers and the pattern race calendar
Baroud’s late show in Deauville adds another name to keep on the radar for next season’s middle-distance programme. His combination of class, pedigree and a liking for fast ground could make him a candidate for top-level targets in 2027, and his progression will be watched closely by connections and punters alike.
For those following form lines from Royal Ascot, Wimbledon Hawkeye’s return to winning ways after changing hands is a reminder that summer festival form can travel well to European pattern races, and that buyers at the sales can find well-handled recruits ready to peak in the latter part of the campaign.
Summary:Baroud landed the Group Two Prix Guillaume d’Ornano with a late run to deny Daryzan, while Hassaleh stepped up smartly to claim the Group Three Darley Prix de Lieurey. Wimbledon Hawkeye, previously seen at Royal Ascot, also returned to winning form in Deauville.
