Connections of Wooded believe he’s earned a shot at Commonwealth Cup glory at Royal Ascot after a good win at Chantilly on Wednesday.
The French sprinter saw off the challenge of Alocasia, who impressed when coming in second, in an entertaining Group 3 Prix Texanita.
It was 11/4 favourite Wooded that caught the eye the most, though, and now a trip to Royal Ascot later this summer – provided the prestigious meeting gets the government go-ahead – is on the cards.
The Al Shaqab Racing Group-owned three-year-old certainly looked in good shape and big things are now expected of him in races later in the year.
“He confirmed that he has a lot of speed,” Al Shaqab representative Rupert Pritchard-Gordon said. “Wooded has done well over the winter and has strengthened up. (Jockey Pierre-Charles) Boudot got a nice lead into the race and allowed him to find his own rhythm.
“It was an excellent comeback and both Wooded and the second have finished well clear of the rest of their group.”
He added: “We can dream of the Commonwealth Cup now, if that is what Sheikh Joaan and Francis decide, and if it is possible to travel. In France he would have to face older horses, but I think he deserves a crack at Group 1 company.”
