'We can dream of the Commonwealth Cup now' - Wooded stars in Prix Texanita

High-class French sprinter Wooded justified favouritism with a convincing victory in the Group 3 Prix Texanita that had connections dreaming of a trip to Royal Ascot, should that prove possible.

Ridden positively by Pierre-Charles Boudot, the 11-4 market leader finished clear of Alocasia, with My Love's Passion finishing third after racing in a group of two up the far rail.

Wooded, representing Al Shaqab and trainer Francis Graffard, produced a performance that would certainly justify the trip to Ascot, in a race that was added to the sprinting programme as part of the reforms that brought the Commonwealth Cup into being.

It was a first Pattern success for the trainer since the return of racing in France, Graffard having come agonisingly close with two seconds and a third at Longchamp and Toulouse on Monday.

Full result

"He confirmed that he has a lot of speed," said Al Shaqab representative Rupert Pritchard-Gordon. "Wooded has done well over the winter and has strengthened up. Pierre-Charles got a nice lead into the race and allowed him to find his own rhythm.

"It was an excellent comeback and both Wooded and the second have finished well clear of the rest of their group. We can dream of the Commonwealth Cup now, if that is what Sheikh Joaan and Francis decide, and if it is possible to travel. In France he would have to face older horses, but I think he deserves a crack at Group 1 company."

Juddmonte's Alocasia travelled well throughout the race and although she was unable to go with the winner through the final furlong, made a pleasing return to action.

"She hasn't grown very much over the winter but she has a big heart and she always tries her best," said trainer Henri-Francois Devin. "We were quite confident she would run a big race – which she did – so we'll speak to the owners to see what they want to do."

My Love's Passion was drawn highest of the 13 runners and Christophe Soumillon's decision to head away from the main group was probably made for him as she produced a blistering start.

"My Love's Passion ran her race and I don't think she suffered from being isolated like that," said her trainer, Yann Barberot. She was courageous and has just stumbled on two good horses."

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