Emmanuel Clayeux says a tilt at next month's Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris is on for Ebonite after her victory in Saturday's Prix Murat at Auteuil.
Ebonite impressed at the Paris track as the six-year-old came home in front of Feu Follet and 2019 Grand Steeple-Chase hero Carriacou, while favourite Figuero was a disappointing fourth.
Clayeux says the next target for his charge is the big race on June 7, when all four from this contest are expected to line up against each other again.
The trainer was pleased with the outcome after admitting afterwards he'd had his doubts over Ebonite during the enforced shutdown of racing recently.
Clayeux said: “She has confirmed her class but I was worried beforehand because, although she did well during the first month of the confinement, she is a mare who gives a lot in the mornings and I began to consider whether she should be left alone for the autumn. In the end I managed to keep her well.”
When pressed on her inclusion in the Grand Steeple-Chase back at Auteuil next month, Clayeux confirmed that was the plan, adding: “At the moment all I am thinking about is a glass of champagne. But yes, she will go. She is an easier ride than before and you can now put her anywhere in a race.”
Carriacou turned in a decent display and jockey Jonathan Plouganou was more than satisfied with third place.
He said: “It was a good comeback run after lockdown. I couldn't have asked for any better.”
