Dubai: Godolphin's Genius Beast blew his chances of impressing watching trainer Mahmoud Al Zarouni on his latest trial for next month's Epsom Derby when he could only finish third in a five-runner Prix Hocquart at Longchamp in France yesterday.
Attempting to win the Group Two contest run over a mile and two furlongs from the front, the Frankie Dettori-ridden son of Kingmambo could not find any acceleration in the closing stages when his jockey asked the question.
It now seems unlikely that he will start Britain's showpiece race on June 4 which leaves Al Zarouni with possibly just one runner in Ocean War, a two-time winner this season.
Godolphin have not won the Derby since Lammtarra took the honours in 1995, a year after the stable was formed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Nothing ruled out
Commenting on Genius Beast's performance, racing manager Simon Crisford said: "He obviously stays very well and will remain entered in everything but Shaikh Mohammad is leaning towards the King Edward VII Stakes [at Royal Ascot, June 17], though at this stage nothing is ruled in or out."
The class act in the race was the Elie Lellouche-trained Prairie Star who won by a nose from Grand Vent. Trained in France by Andre Fabre. Grand Vent caught the eye with a solid fast-finishing effort under teenage jockey Mickael Barzalona.
Prarie Star may take part in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) but his more likely target looks to be Grand Prix de Paris on July 14 according to Lellouch.
The trainer said: "The Grand Prix de Paris is his principal aim and he could go to the Prix du Jockey Club although the owners also have Barocci [who runs in the Poulains later] for that. He pulled very hard today and still won."
Epsom Derby odds:
Carlton House (2) , Recital (6), Seville (15/2) , Pour Moi (9), Native Khan (14), Ocean War (25), Frankel (29), Treasure Beach (33), Casamento (39), Memphis Tennessee (40), Nathaniel (43), Sea Moon (43), Roderic OConnor (49), Monte Carlo (50), Pareo (50), Quest For Peace (50), World Domination (51), Marksmanship (53), Burj Hatta (66), Farhh (66) - Others 66 or more
