There were plenty of Classic clues going forward on show at Longchamp on Sunday and Karl Burke’s Evolutionist threw her hat into the ring for the French 1000 Guineas. The daughter of Night Of Thunder was progressive last season. She won a Newmarket Maiden, before finishing third in the Group 2 Alpha Centauri and the Group 1 Fillies Mile.
She returned in the Prix de la Grotte, and won the contest going away under Shane Foley by 2 lengths. The race has traditionally acted as a trial for the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, with Zarigana landing the double last season. Though she holds entries in both the Irish and British 1000 Guineas, a return to Longchamp appears the likely path.
Speaking to Sky Sports Racing, via Sporting Life, her trainer Karl Burke said: “I’m very, very happy. We’ve run a few nice horses this last 10 days or so and a few have disappointed. I don’t think the string is in top form, put it that way, but it’s nice to see her do that. Shane said she outstayed them. We always knew she is going to stay a mile and a quarter for sure, but she’s not slow either. She quickened up well there and galloped through the line.
“She was fairly fit but will improve for the run. We’ve done a fair bit of work but most racehorses will improve after a long break.
Evolutionist ‘nearly certain’ for Prix de Diane – Karl Burke
While connections ponder which side of the sea she’ll appear on next, the Prix de Diane looks to be a sure spring target.
Burke added: “I think we’ve got some interesting conversations to have with the owners and the team, Shane as well. She’ll definitely turn up in one of them, whether it’s Newmarket or here. I would say that’s favourite at the moment (a return to Longchamp). But what I would say is that she’s nearly certain to turn up for the Diane.
Burke won the Prix de Diane with Laurens in 2018, and he remarked: “You’d have to say that Laurens was a bigger unit than this filly. But she’s a very good filly and we’re delighted to have her.”
It’s been a rather frustrating start to the flat season for Burke, who’s had 11 favourites beaten of late. The trusty Al Qareem was a gutsy Listed winner at Musselburgh, but Spigot Lodge have yet to kick on as strongly as they have in the past.