Recoletos wins stakes debut in Group 2 Prix Greffulhe

Recoletos won his stakes debut and third consecutive start in Monday’s Group 2 Prix Greffulhe for 3-year-old colts and fillies at Saint-Cloud Racecourse in Paris. The win is expected to lead to a start in the Group 1 French Derby at Chantilly on June 4.

Ridden by Olivier Peslier, Recoletos closed from fourth in a field of five to win the $143,247 Prix Greffulhe at 1 1/4 miles on turf by 2 1/4 lengths over Waldgeist, the 11-10 favorite.

Waldgeist won the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud last October in his final appearance at 2 and had his first start of 2017 in the Prix Greffulhe. Waldgeist was well placed in early stretch but could not keep pace with Recoletos in the final furlong. Waldgeist finished a head in front of Akihiro, who was followed by the outsiders Monreal and Saldier.

Recoletos, by Whipper, has won 3 of 4 starts. Ninth in his lone start at 2 last November, Recoletos is unbeaten this year, having won a maiden race in March and an allowance race last month. Recoletos races for Sarl Darlat France and trainer Carlos Laffon-Parais.