Diane prospect Place Du Carrousel too good for brave Kawida in Cleopatre

Friday: Saint-Cloud

Kawida produced a courageous effort on her seasonal bow for Kirsten Rausing and Ed Walker but was unable to repel a pair of fast-finishers in the Al Shaqab silks in the Group 3 Prix Cleopatre.

Mickael Barzalona conjured the best finishing effort of all aboard the the Andre Fabre-trained Place Du Carrousel, who races for Sheikh Joaan's outfit in partnership with breeders Ballylinch Stud and who may now attempt to double up in the Prix de Diane Longines.

Al Shaqab racing manager Rupert Pritchard-Gordon felt there could be more to come from the daughter of Lope De Vega given the mishap that befell her at the end of her previous start when winning 17 days ago at Fontainebleau.

"When she won she dropped the rider after the line crossing the path and she had a few easy days after the race," said Pritchard Gordon.

"Andre felt she bounced out of that well and it was nice to see today that she's a filly we might be able to head to the French Oaks with. I think he still feels there might be a bit of improvement heading to her next race."

Place Du Carrousel had three-quarters of a length to spare over the same owner's Samahram at the line with Kawida just a head further back in third.

Kawida and Ed Walker return to the Saint-Cloud enclosure after finishing a close-up third in the Prix CleopatreCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

Kawida finished her juvenile career with a win in the Listed Montrose Stakes at Newmarket, and Walker expects her to come forward from this effort.

"She's run really well, although it's always disappointing to get beaten," said Walker. "I think they got racing quite early and she got [fourth-placed] Hometruths beaten, won her race in that respect and then got mugged late on by a couple who were ridden with a bit more patience.

"It was her first start back and she maybe just got a little tired in the last 100 yards, but it was a really good run. I think we'll see a better horse again on softer ground."

Full result: Prix Cleopatre

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