French Duke reigns supreme at Goodwood

Wathnan colt builds on promise on Royal Asot run.

French Duke got off the mark for Roger Varian and Wathnan Racing in the Coral Daily Rewards Shaker Handicap at Goodwood.

The Sea The Stars colt was last seen finishing sixth in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and returned to action wearing a hood for the first time.

Under James Doyle, Wathnan’s retained rider, the three-year-old was the 16-5 favourite in a field of 10 as he looked to set aside his maiden status and kickstart a successful meeting for his increasingly-prominent owners.

From stall seven he worked his way through the race, locking horns with John and Thady Gosden’s Lord Of Love in the final furlong and battling on best to prevail by a neck.

“He’s still learning the game, he’s a bit raw and immature,” Varian said.

“After Ascot, where he ran his race upside down, we really wanted to see him finish today.

“In doing so, at a medium gallop on fast ground, we were probably further back than James wanted to be.

“The horse is still learning but he showed toughness there, I think I would upgrade that performance.

“For me he is not the finished article but it was nice to see him tough it out today.

“If you watch the race at Ascot, he ran huge that day but he did too much and moved too early in the race. Today it was very important that he hit the line strong.”

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