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Persian King lives up to star billing in French 2000 Guineas

Persian King wins under Pierre-Charles Boudot
Image: Persian King wins under Pierre-Charles Boudot

Persian King justified Andre Fabre's decision to sidestep Newmarket and stay closer to home by winning the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) at ParisLongchamp.

The Kingman colt was sent off a short-priced favourite and gave his supporters barely an anxious moment as he stamped his authority over the opposition.

William Haggas' British raider Senza Limiti set a solid gallop from the outset, with the Paul Cole-trained Duke Of Hazzard and Shaman also close up.

Pierre-Charles Boudot had Persian King (2-5 favourite) well placed towards the far rail and timed his run to perfection in the straight.

The market leader quickened stylishly to pull clear of his rivals and have enough in hand to hold Shaman's late challenge and give Fabre a seventh victory in the Poulains.

San Donato, trained in Newmarket by Roger Varian, was a creditable third.

Persian King was trimmed to 6-4 from 9-4 for the Prix du Jockey Club with Betfair.

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Fabre said: said: "I'm delighted. He's a good horse and he acts on any ground. He's got a lovely temperament, too.

"The Jockey Club is the plan. It looks like he would stay another quarter of a mile."

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