Poule d’Essai des Poulains (Group 1)

MODERN Games only had a length and a quarter to spare over Texas at the finish of the Poule d’Essai des Poulains but, from approaching the furlong marker, his superiority was never in doubt.

As it turned out, if you weren’t in the first half dozen turning into the straight, you were at a severe disadvantage despite the fierce gallop set by Texas, and the first three remained unchanged through the closing stages, Tribalist keeping on doughtily to hold third, two lengths behind the winner and a head in front of his Coolmore-owned André Fabre stablemate, Ancient Rome, in fourth.

Aidan O’Brien’s The Acropolis did pick off a few rivals late but could still get no closer than ninth, though even that was an improvement on the Pouliches, where Ballydoyle’s representative, Toy, was unable to take advantage of a low draw and finished 11th, albeit beaten less than five lengths.

“Modern Games may not be the biggest but he was the class horse of the race and, in common with so many of Dubawi’s progeny, he’s improved from two to three,” Appleby said.

Game and honest

“Once I saw the weather forecast I was pretty happy, as this fellow loves fast ground, and he’s so game and honest, he’s got a great attitude and is easy to train.”

“I’ve long thought that he will stay a bit further, so the Prix du Jockey Club is an obvious next step for him.

“We’re incredibly lucky to have not just him but Native Trail and Coroebus as well, and it would be nice to keep them apart for as long as we can.”

William Buick, who had caught the redeye across the Atlantic after finishing a rather disappointing third on Yibir in New York on Saturday, added: “The Jockey Club does seem like a natural step for him.”

“It’s a race where you need a lot of tactical pace and I think he’s worth a try at the trip. He’s a true professional who is both a joy to ride and a joy to be around.”