G1 third for Masar

Masar finished a gutsy third in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere over a mile at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, October 1.

The two-year-old New Approach colt, previously successful in the G3 Solario Stakes over seven furlongs at Sandown Park, was well away, with James Doyle up, and raced in third before taking second as stable companion Mythical Magic (Jamie Spencer) set a decent pace.

Mythical Magic gave way after entering the straight as Masar battled for the lead and then gained the advantage narrowly with over a furlong and a half remaining.

Masar was headed around the distance but kept on before finding no extra in the final half-furlong.

He went down by a length and a quarter and a short-neck to the winner Happily and second Olmedo. The winning time came to 1m 38.51s on soft going.

Trainer Charlie Appleby explained: “I was pleased with Masar but James said the ground was too slow for him and he did not pick up when it mattered.

“But Masar has put a solid performance in this G1 and he is going to be competitive at a high level on a sounder surface.”