Victor Ludorum showed a sharp burst of speed to land the Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Deauville under a confident Mickael Barzalona.
The son of Shamardal went into winter quarters as the leading French juvenile having won the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc weekend last term, but blotted his copybook on his seasonal return at ParisLongchamp in May.
Trainer Andre Fabre - who was registering a ninth career win in the race known as the French 2000 Guineas - had clearly kept the Classic in mind all along as he left the bare form well behind.
He switched to the stands side and scooted home to readily get the better of his Longchamp conqueror The Summit, who filled the runner-up spot at 10/1.
The winner's stablemate Alson took third but it was all about the winner who was in full command and going away as he passed the post.
The winner was cut to 2/1 from 6/1 for the Prix du Jockey Club by Sky Bet. He's the same price from 5s with Betfair and Paddy Power who make him a 20/1 chance for the Arc.
Poule d'Essai des Poulains result
- Victor Ludorum (5/4 favourite)
- The Summit (10/1)
- Alson (13/2)
Barzalona told Sky Sports Racing: “He showed improvement since his first run. He did his canter very well and the race was just a near perfect tempo for him as well.
“I think he will stay further. He travelled and he’s done exactly what I asked him to do. He came very easily and strongly to lead the race and after that he just used the minimum.”
Lisa-Jane Graffard, Godolphin's representative in France, said on www.godolphin.com: "We are delighted with the performance of Victor Ludorum, who left his comeback run in the Prix de Fontainebleau behind him and showed his best form.
"The Prix du Jockey Club has always been Plan A for Victor Ludorum and we will see how he comes out of this race before confirming his next target. I am sure that Andre Fabre will want a chance to assess the horse over the coming days and discuss it with Sheikh Mohammed."
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