Aesterius moves into Abbaye and Breeders' Cup reckoning after Group 3 success for Wathnan Racing

Archie Watson and Wathnan Racing can look forward to an exciting autumn with Aesterius, who made all under James Doyle to land the Group 3 Prix d'Arenberg.

Doyle appeared determined to adopt more positive tactics than when finishing second to Big Mojo in the Molecomb on the son of Mehmas and never looked in too much danger from Kaadi and Treasure Isle as the visitors filled the first three places.

Watson said: "He bought a strong level of form into the race. Everything went smoothly and he won impressively, as I hoped he would. James was delighted with him and said it was very straightforward. He's a very talented colt."

James Doyle and Aesterius after victory in the Group 3 Prix d'Arenberg at Longchamp

Watson added: "He's in the Abbaye, which we almost won with Soldier’s Call as a two-year-old having won this race. We'll discuss that with the owners. The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar will be his final target of the season."

While Wathnan Racing have become known for their purchases of high-profile horses in training, Aesterius joins Royal Ascot duo Shareholder and Leovanni as Group-winning two-year-olds sourced from this year's breeze-up sales.

Higher hacks up for De Bromhead 

France Galop records suggest Henry de Bromhead had saddled only two horses in France before Higher Leaves turned away the challengers under a positive Alexis Pouchin to ultimately score decisively in the Listed Prix de Liancourt.

"It was Henry’s idea to find a nice three-year-old race for fillies only, and there aren't too many of them in Ireland," said Gerry Hogan, whose wife Ciara owns Higher Leaves in partnership with John Halley. 

"She had a little break after the Ribblesdale and Henry says she’s really strengthened up. She’s progressive and that was good today."

Higher Leaves with Alexis Pouchin and co-owners Ciara and Gerry Hogan (right of picture) after the Prix de LiancourtCredit: Racing Post/Burton

Hogan added: "Henry says a mile and a quarter is more her trip, and, although as she gets stronger she might get further, she has a bit of pace. Alexis said she quickened up very well. Henry has always held her in very high regard and the Ribblesdale just didn’t work out.

"She’s had a little break and come on since so, on that performance, you’d have to say there’s more to come."

Asked if Higher Leaves might stay in training next year, Ciara Hogan said: "She’s got a good pedigree and Henry feels she’ll be a better four-year-old."

Hart hangs on for O'Brien

Lily Hart struck for Christophe Soumillon and Aidan O'Brien in the Listed Prix Joubert, getting the better of Fairy Glen and stablemate Mother Nature in a tight finish.

Lily Hart carries the silks of Masaaki Matsushima, which will be worn by Yutaka Take aboard Al Riffa in next month's Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

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