Creasy Does It To Enter Classic Picture

Chichi Creasy ran on strongly in the hands of Ronan Thomas to spring a minor surprise in the Prix de Fontainebleau at Longchamp.

Nicole Rossio's colt had scored when reappearing at the course late last month and took the step up in class in his stride when seeing off Battle Paint and the fast-finishing Visionario.

Thomas nudged his partner into a prominent position early in the Group Three contest and looked to be travelling powerfully as the field swung into the straight.

Having given Chichi Creasy the hurry-up soon after, his mount responded well and stuck on gamely when pressed to repel the cavalry by a length.

Battle Paint was always well positioned, but could not muster the change of gear required to overhaul the winner.

Visionario got going too late under Christophe Soumillon to seriously threaten the principals, but motored home in eye-catching fashion to finish a half-length further away.

Connections of the winner were thrilled with his battling display and will now seriously consider some of the bigger prizes later in the season.

Rossio said: 'I didn't engage him in any of the major races because he has had a lot of problems.

'However, after this race I may have to revise that decision and we will talk about it among ourselves before deciding whether or not to supplement him (for the French 2000 Guineas).'

Soumillon was earlier seen to great effect aboard the Alain de Royer-Dupre-trained Darjina, who took the Prix de la Grotte.

(C) PA Sport