TRACKSIDE WORLDWIDE

Stars Shine In Chantilly And Tokyo Aided by a classic ride from the ever-reliable Ryan Moore, Camille Pissarro reigned supreme in the Group One Qatar Prix du Jockey-Club at Chantilly on Sunday, June 1. The favourite gave trainer Aidan O’Brien his second French Derby win, and the three-year-old proved his abilities over the 2,100 metres. Despite his talent, he still needed some Moore magic after getting bumped at the start of the race before settling comfortably on the rail. It was smooth sailing from there until the gaps began to close in the final stages, and the experienced jockey had to expertly guide Camille Pissarro to the front. With nothing but clear ground ahead, the now two-time Group One winner held his own and crossed the line half a length in front of Cualificar.

The rising star is now back on track after failing to win in his last two starts prior to Sunday. Connections continued to have faith in his ability, as he has shown a knack for finishing in the top three even when not at his best. His previous Group One win came over the mile on Arc day at Longchamp. He now has the opportunity to race in the feature in October, with a win in the French Derby guaranteeing him a position in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, though O’Brien remains non-committal as to whether he will actually run. There will be many options for Camille Pissarro moving forward, and it will be interesting to see where he lines up next.

From the French Derby to Japan, where the country's own Derby took place on Sunday for three-year-olds over 2,400 metres. It was a similar affair in Tokyo, with the favourite finishing strongly to prove himself the most impressive colt in the land. The prodigious talent cemented his star status in the Tokyo Yushun and made it three wins from four starts. His only hiccup came in April’s Japanese 2000 Guineas, where he finished runner-up to Museum Mile. Sunday’s performance reinstilled confidence in the three-year-old’s ability to compete in the Arc, with his odds shortening after the win. Could he potentially make a splash in Europe? Time will tell, but it would take a brave punter to bet against him in any future races at home.

A horse punters will be wishing they had backed on Saturday, May 31, was Cool Archie in the Group Two BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm. The Queenslanders braved the rain to watch the colt defy the odds and notch his fourth consecutive victory with an incredible finish on a heavy 10 track. Punters’ lack of faith in the two-year-old looked to be warranted as he entered the straight near the back. Somehow, he managed to make up the ground before finding the front in the final 100 metres. It turned out to be the last race of the day, with the remaining races abandoned due to track conditions. Cool Archie is now favourite for the Group One JJ Atkins in two weeks’ time. If he were to win, it would likely make him the biggest success story of the Queensland Carnival, which is still in its early stages. written by Joe Bell