Al Kazeem (nearside) seen here at Ascot© Photo Healy Racing
Al Kazeem made a successful seasonal reappearance with a hard-fought win in the Group Two Prix d'Harcourt at Longchamp.
Ryan Moore always had the Roger Charlton-trained seven-year-old close to the pace set by Celtic Rock, with Godolphin's Fractional close up.
Al Kazeem went on a furlong and a half from home but was all out to hold Affaire Solitaire, with Fate finishing strongly to finish a close third.
Group One winner Epicuris earlier suffered a shock first defeat at the hands of Silverwave in the Prix La Force.
Criquette Head-Maarek's Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner was sent off a short-priced favourite but was slammed four lengths by the Alain Couetil-trained colt, who was stretching his unbeaten record to four with victory in this Group Three contest.
British raider Medrano, trained by David Brown, was two and a half lengths away in third.
Al Kazeem's owner John Deer was delighted with the performance and is looking forward to the horse's next likely the target, the Prix Ganay, at the same course on May 3.
"For a first run that was very good as he does tend to be a bit overweight, and when he gets to the front he doesn't do too much," he said.
"I'm hoping we'll be back there in three weeks' time for the Prix Ganay.
"I hope this race will have put him spot-on for that."
