Report: France, Thursday
Chantilly: Prix Rond de Nuit (Listed) 6½f, 3yo fillies
ICE LOVE (Tony Castanheira/Raphael Marchelli) could be headed off on the Classic trail after she came from last to catch the front-running Dancing Sands in the final strides.
Both the principals had enjoyed the benefit of running a couple of times at Cagnes-sur-Mer since the turn of the year but it was still difficult not to be impressed with Ice Love's acceleration from an unpromising position.
"She was quite keen because they didn't go that fast and she was last turning into the straight," said Castanheira, whose charge was allowed to go off at 18-1.
"She was in very good shape whereas perhaps some of the others weren't quite as far forward. But I still expect her to improve through the spring. We'll see how she comes out of this but she's in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and that remains her target."
The previously unbeaten La Hoguette held every chance in the straight but didn't pick up for Gregory Benoist on her first try on an all-weather surface, finishing fourth.
Also on Thursday
Chantilly: Prix Montenica (Listed) 6½f, 3yo colts & geldings
IMPERIATOR (Philippe Decouz/Franck Blondel) made light of a five month break when scoring for the third time in his last four starts.
The son of Footstepsinthesand had Treve's half-sister, Trophee, back in second when winning on his last start at two in a decent conditions race at Deauville.
As a gelding there will be no Classics for Imperiator but the Group 3 Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte is an obvious target.
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