Repeat victory for Caballo De Mar in Prix du Cadran
Caballo De Mar confirmed his affinity for ParisLongchamp by prevailing in a dramatic renewal of the Qatar Prix du Cadran, denying Scandinavia a ninth successive win. The George Scott-trained stayer, partnered by Oisin Murphy, produced his challenge late in the straight to collar the favourite close to the line and prevail by a neck after a keen battle in the closing furlong.
Stewards’ inquiry and the finish
There was a tense pause after the race when an objection was lodged by the rider of Scandinavia, who had started the race as the short-priced favourite. The stewards examined the incident in the final strides, during which Scandinavia appeared to be bumped as the pair battled for supremacy, but the result was allowed to stand and the 9-2 raider took the race.
Form and context
Scandinavia arrived on the back of a remarkable sequence that included multiple top-level victories, five of which were at Group One level earlier in the season. That run came to an end in the Cadran, where Caballo De Mar repeated his success from a year earlier and extended his excellent record in Paris Group company; the Newmarket-trained gelding has been particularly effective in the French capital.
Connections of Caballo De Mar described the performance as emotional and significant for the team, noting the horse’s idiosyncratic temperament and the work required behind the scenes to get him to peak on the day. The plan to race prominently and track the favourite was executed, and the gelding produced his customary late thrust to secure the victory.
Implications for autumn targets
After the race, the trainer indicated that a target later in the season could be Ascot on Champions Day, with the Cadran winner’s future plans to be decided based on how he comes out of the race. Aidan O’Brien confirmed that Scandinavia will be rested for the remainder of the season, citing the horse’s long campaign and concerns over ground conditions for potential autumn outings, including Ascot.
What it means for festival racing
- Caballo De Mar’s repeat Cadran success underlines the continuing strength of established stayers and the value of targeting the Paris late-season programme.
- Scandinavia’s run of wins, although halted, reinforces his status as one of the leading staying horses of the season and keeps interest high for any future autumn campaigns should conditions suit.
- For connections plotting trips to major British fixtures such as Ascot’s Champions Day, performances in Paris will be an important barometer for suitability and form ahead of those targets.
The Prix du Cadran result will be digested by owners and trainers mapping out end-of-season plans, with Ascot figures among those likely to watch developments closely if Caballo De Mar is declared for future entries once recovered.
This article may have been prepared in whole or in part with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
