Classically-bred Philomene sparks Group 1 dreams after Prix Penelope stroll

Philomene will not appear in the list of entries for the Cazoo Oaks when they are revealed on Wednesday but there can be no doubting that she is a filly with serious Classic potential after streaking clear of her rivals in the Group 3 Prix Penelope on Tuesday.

Andre Fabre elected to put her away after a debut maiden success at Longchamp last September – albeit in a newcomers race which has a stellar roll of honour – and she was ridden here with the utmost confidence.

Full result and analysis from the Group 3 Prix Penelope

Mickael Barzalona sat fourth of five and had to do little more than shake the reins half way up the home straight to illicit an impressive response from Philomene, who was eased near the line to finish two and a half lengths clear of Incarville.

Godolphin France's Lisa-Jane Graffard said: "Everyone is delighted. She is a filly with lots of quality and is very straightforward mentally. It's really pleasing to see her do it in that style on only her second start.

"She has staked her claim as a middle-distance filly and Andre has always said she will improve with age. She's not entered in the Oaks so for the moment she would appear to be staying in France but we'll keep all options open."

Philomene is certainly bred to be an Oaks or a Prix de Diane filly, being by Dubawi out of Ecurie des Monceaux's marvellous mare Prudenzia, which makes her a half sister to both the globetrotting Magic Wand and the Irish Oaks heroine Chicquita.

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