Almanzor filly on target for Oaks

Gezora has earned a crack at a Classic title following her success in the G2 Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp.

The Francis Graffard-trained daughter of Almanzor claimed the 2000 metre title in style to book her berth in the G1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) to be run over 2100 metres at Chantilly on June 16.

Gezora was ridden by Mickael Barzalona and strode to the front 300 metres from home before drawing clear to score by a length and a-quarter.

“Gezora is a nice filly, very straightforward, she had a very good first run in the Vanteaux here and she came on a lot for the race,” Graffard told the Racing Post.

“She blossomed physically and mentally she was so happy and well in herself that I said to the owner we should give it a go.

“We had nothing to lose and she lengthened really nicely in the straight. I think she's earned her chance in the Prix de Diane.”

Gezora has won three of her six starts including the G2 Prix des Reservoirs and has placed at Group 3 level in the Prix Vanteaux and Prix de Conde.

She was raced by Haras d’Etreham before her purchase by Peter Brant’s White Birch Farm after her victory in the Prix des Reservoirs.

Gezora is a daughter of the Silver Hawk mare Germance, who won five races including the Saint-Alary in 2006 when it carried Group 1 status and then finished runner-up in the Oaks.

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