Romantic Style fuels Classic dreams with G3 Prix Imprudence success

Romantic Style booked her place in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches following a tenacious victory in the G3 Prix Imprudence at Deauville, France, on Tuesday, 9 April.

Stepping up to seven furlongs for her seasonal return, the Charlie Appleby-trained filly tracked Tamfana in a group of three that came up the centre of the course, with the other four runners racing towards the stands’ side.

Romantic Style found herself in a close fourth as all bar Alabama Moon converged at the halfway point and quickened strongly after being angled out by William Buick with just under two furlongs to race.

The daughter of Night Of Thunder led over a furlong from home and gamely repelled Ramatuelle and Tamfana in the closing stages, holding on well to prevail by half a length.

Charlie Appleby said: “We had spoken about this race for Romantic Style for quite a while as I don’t feel that she would see out a mile at Newmarket in the 1,000 Guineas. We thought we would be better off coming here as it gives her more time before the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches.

“William [Buick] was delighted with her. He said that she was fresh but travelled sweetly in his hands. I loved that she did everything the right way round – she travelled sensibly behind a horse and, when she picked up, I felt that we were always going to be doing enough to stay in front.

“Fair play to the team at home, who have done a great job. She’s a filly that has a natural pace in her pedigree, although she gives herself a chance of getting a mile. Coming back for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches will be our aim and, if she is going to stay a mile anywhere, it will hopefully be at Longchamp.

“She handled heavy today, but I am quite confident that she will be as effective on quicker ground.”