Eternal Hope shows plenty of promise with G2 Prix Alec Head third

Eternal Hope picked up G2 Black Type with a close third behind Jannah Rose and Lumiere Rock in the Prix Alec Head at Deauville, France, on Sunday, 20 August.

Making her first appearance since finishing seventh in the G1 Oaks, Eternal Hope soon raced in a clear second as Lumiere Rock led the five runners in single file.

William Buick angled Eternal Hope off the rail approaching the final three furlongs and the Charlie Appleby-trained filly closed to dispute the lead at the top of the straight.

Lumiere Rock battled back to regain a slender advantage a furlong and a half out, with Jannah Rose joining in as all three looked to hold chances passing the furlong-pole.

Prix Saint-Alary winner Jannah Rose asserted over Lumiere Rock on the line for a head verdict. Eternal Hope kept on in the closing stages to finish a further length and a half in arrears.

Charlie Appleby said: “We are very happy with Eternal Hope’s performance. We were worried about the testing ground beforehand as she prefers a quicker surface, but she ran a very creditable race behind two good fillies. Hopefully, we can win a Group race with her at some point, with the Jockey Club Oaks at Aqueduct next month an option."