EGYPTBAND TAKES FRENCH OAKS Egyptband produced an impressive performance to land the Prix de Diane Hermes (French Oaks) at Chantilly today. The unbeaten Criquette Head-trained filly had been restricted to just two previous starts because of training problems but showed no signs of inexperience here. Olivier Doleuze held the daughter of Dixieland Band off a strong pace set by Baume Au Coeur. Odds-on favourite Volvoreta swept through to lead with just under two furlongs to go but the winner had the move covered. Showing a fine turn of foot Egyptband came to lead a furlong out and bounded clear for a comfortable victory. Goldamix, carrying the second colours of the winning owners the Wertheimer brothers, finished third. The winning trainer said: 'She's so good that filly. 'Olivier rode a beautiful race.' The John Gosden-trained Arduine led briefly at the top of the straight but eventually finished unplaced, while Clive Brittain's Tanzilla faded after holding a prominent position early in the race.
