Victor Ludorum back to winning ways in G3 Prix Messidor

Dual G1 winner Victor Ludorum recorded his first win since last year’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains as he outclassed his rivals in the G3 Prix Messidor at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, 18 July.

The Andre Fabre-trained colt, dropping down in class and trip after finishing fifth in the G1 Prix d'Ispahan, was prominent throughout the mile contest and soon raced in a clear second behind Brentford Hope.

Victor Ludorum loomed up to challenge for the lead with two furlongs left and the son of Shamardal soon took charge under Mickael Barzalona, lengthening clear of the field entering the final furlong for an easy three-length success.

Mickael Barzalona said: “Victor Ludorum was a little disappointing in the Prix d’Ispahan after a very good comeback run in the Prix du Muguet. There was a nice regular pace today – we rode him pretty forwardly and he was happy there.

“The G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois would be the normal program for him now. He knows Deauville very well, having won the Poulains there. It will be a tough race against Palace Pier but Victor Ludorum deserves to be in the line-up.”