Dagueneau
Dagueneau helped the stable to continue a good spell of form by storming to a six length success in the 4.00 at Beverley this afternoon, under a typically excellent Ben Curtis ride.
Only four went to post, with Precision setting the pace under Joe Fanning, allowing Dagueneau to settle into a share of second place in the early stages of the two mile journey. All appeared to be going well until a disconcerting incident six furlongs from home, where Dagueneau appeared to lose his hind legs and slipped momentarily. Luckily Ben was able to react quickly, Dagueneau was unperturbed, and the pair loomed up to the long-time leader soon after, before quickening away on the climb to the line for an easy six length success.
This was a second success for the son of Champs Elysees, with the step up to two miles clearly proving beneficial. He began life handicapping from a mark of 61 earlier in the year, and the handicapper will undoubtedly take a real swipe again after this, so his current rating of 73 will soon be a distant memory. Given that this was probably a weak race, we do fear him getting marooned off an unreasonably high mark sometime in the future. However, Dagueneau is closely related to Smart Enough, who was still winning in Stakes company at the age of six, and the progeny of Champs Elysees (think Trip To Paris) often thrive with time and distance. It is hoped, therefore, that there will be more to come.
Dagueaneu shares his name with the late French wine maker Didier Dagueneau; let’s hope Dagueneau the horse can age like a fine wine.
We send our warmest congratulations to his owner Andrew Gemmell, who was on course at Beverley to enjoy the success, and thank all the staff at home for their continued efforts in the yard.