A year is a long time without a win in the world group 1 for Andre Fabre. The legendary coach ended his longest drought between top-level wins in more than a decade when Belbek caused an uproar at the Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1) on October 2 at Longchamp. Four races later, 76-year-old Fabre won the Prix de l’Opera Longines (G1) with a 66-1 record. Place du Carrousel .
It was on this card 12 months ago that Fabre won the top level with Qatar Prix heroine Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches (G1) Zellie . His winner to start Arc 2022 day was much more of a surprise, coming back at 17-1 odds under Mickael Barzalona.
We go on vacation on Arc day! Belbek wins Qatar Prix 1st team Jean-Luc Lagardere at @paris_longchamp #WinAndYouIN pic.twitter.com/L6eONSAqvP
– At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 2, 2022
Belbek had been expecting a high-quality prospect when he landed the Prix du Bois Longines-Fonds European de l’Elevage (G3) at Chantilly in June, but the wheel fell off when held safely in races due to Ballydoyle racer wins Black beard and South Pole on his next two starts.
However, stepping on seven feathers for the first time has brought the best of his career from the Nurlan Bizakov hybrid, and Fabre is now even considering leaning more towards the Vertem Futurity Trophy (G1) by more than a mile. .
Fabre, who won Lagardere for the sixth time, said: “We always thought he had a lot of potential, but he didn’t find the right conditions.
“Last time he failed in the Prix de Cabourg (G3), but with softer ground and better speed, he has settled better here. He is a handsome, well-rounded pony. well bred – he’s a good horse.”
When asked if he feels the son of Display Fabre said: “It’s a question mark, but we’ll think about the next Doncaster, or something like that. We’ll see how he gets out of this first.”
The Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race where the winner will receive an automatic qualifying spot and pay the 2022 Breeders’ Cup (G1T) Juvenile Field entry fee. at the World Championship weekend on November 4th and 5th at Keeneland.
Paddy Power introduced Belbek on January 12 to Doncaster (G1) on October 22, although he will need to be replenished at a cost of £17,500.
Beautifully served by Barzalona, Belbek promptly won with a neck to deny the mental effort from Gamestop who reversed the form of his previous third in the Prix la Rochette (G3) behind Tigrais the sixth person here, and Breizh’s sky third person.
Gamestop coach Christophe Ferland said: “He’s running a great race and he’s the pony I’ve always loved. I think he’s done it all year. I don’t think he’ll stay a mile at Criterium International.”
The race lost some luster when The Antarctic had its veterinary certificate withdrawn, while favorite Shartash coached by Johnny Murtagh, failed to deliver a predictable hit and was beaten 2.5 minutes into the quarter.
Shartash’s rider, Ben Coen, said: “It was a bit disappointing. He went a bit too far with me early on. Seven feathers could have stretched him for the day.”
