BC Internationals: Turf Sprint contender Suedois

Suedois is the latest David O’Meara renovation project, following in the hoofsteps of his transformed stablemate Mondialiste.

Originally trained by C. Baillet for breeder Elisabeth Vidal, Suedois was already progressing from synthetic specialist to Group 3-class turf sprinter last season. He capped his ascent at that point by winning the 2015 Prix de Meautry (G3) and was sold for $185,014 at last year’s Arqana Arc Sale

Suedois made a promising debut for his new connections when second in the April 2 Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster. But the Le Havre gelding soon signaled that he’d be a player in much bigger prizes. In the Duke of York (G2), he was a strong runner-up to Charlie Hills’ Magical Memory. Interestingly for Suedois’ Breeders’ Cup prospects, Magical Memory was long earmarked for the Turf Sprint before his season was curtailed.

Next appearing at Royal Ascot, Suedois was beaten less than a length in fifth in a blanket finish to the Diamond Jubilee (G1). The victorious Twilight Son was only a neck up on ill-fated Hong Kong star Gold-Fun, and Suedois just missed gaining revenge on Magical Memory. Finishing a couple of lengths behind Suedois was defending champion (and Turf Sprint foe) Undrafted, who didn’t appreciate the rain-softened ground.

 

Suedois posted his best performance to chase Mile (G1) threat Limato home in the July Cup (G1), edging multiple Group 1-winning filly Quiet Reflection. The deep and talented cast also included Washington DC, Magical Memory, reigning Turf Sprint hero Mongolian Saturday, and Twilight Son. Although Limato was in a different zone, Suedois could claim some bragging rights as best of the rest.