Impressive victory by Musis Amica in French G3

Musis Amica ran on well to land the G3 Prix de la Grotte in good style on just her second outing and the unbeaten filly now has Classic aspirations.

The three-year-old daughter of Dawn Approach, trained Andre Fabre and ridden by Mickael Barzalona, was slightly slow into stride on her seasonal return in this mile race on heavy ground at Longchamp, France, on Sunday, 15 April.

She was settled in fifth on the inside as Armoricaine set a decent pace among the eight runners.

Musis Amica was asked to make some progress after entering the straight and moved up to fourth a furlong and half out.

She ran on pleasingly to pass the three in front of her and hit the front well inside the final furlong to triumph eased down by a length and a quarter from Sea Prose in 1m 46.85s.

Godolphin’s Lisa-Jane Graffard commented: “That was a nice surprise.

“On paper, this had looked a hard race to win since there were G1 performers among the runners and Musis Amica had only won a maiden.

“The French 1,000 Guineas (G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, 1m, Longchamp, May 13) is the logical next step for her as this was a trial.

“Mickael was very pleased as she showed a great attitude and nice turn of foot. She is still learning.”

Musis Amica stayed on well for a comfortable success on her debut in a Saint-Cloud maiden over half a furlong shorter in November.