Van Gogh (2c American Pharoah – Imagine, by Sadler’s Wells) rounded up a terrific juvenile campaign when running out an impressive winner of the Group 1 Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.
Second in three Group contests, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was ridden by Pierre-Charles Boudot for the first time on Saturday. He raced towards the back of the field and made smooth headway from three furlongs out, improving into the lead a furlong and a half later. Racing clear inside the final furlong, he ran on well to win by four lengths.
Owned by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier and Mrs Diane Nagle, Van Gogh becomes a second Group 1 winner bred by Barronstown Stud out of dual Classic heroine Imagine. His half-brother to Horation Nelson also enjoyed his finest hour in France when landing the Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, while siblings Red Rock Canyon, Viscount Nelson, Point Piper and Kitty Matcham are all Group winners.