5 May. FR. Prix Hocquart. G2. Longchamp. 2.200 mts. Turf. 130.000 €
1.- DEMOCRATE (S.Pasquier)
2.- STARLISH (A.Crastus)
3.- BLUE BRESIL (W.Mongil)


Following on from his Jockey Club win yesterday at Newmarket, André Fabre upset the Prix Hocquart field this afternoon as Democrate (Dalakhani) clinched the Group Two French Derby prep.

After an even break Anacarde (Anabaa Blue) went to the lead and was followed by Celebrissime (Peintre Celebre) and Blue Bresil (Smadoun). Democrate settled towards the rear alongside G.2 Prix Noailles winner Full Of Gold. Court Canibal (Montjeu) took a while to get into his stride and was two lengths off the pace.

After just two furlongs Thierry Gillet was having difficulty getting Full Of Gold (Gold Away) back on the bit and looked like it was never going to happen.

Coming into the stretch there was no change in the order. As Gillet endeavoured to wind up his mount, Stéphane Pasquier took advantage of the small gap and began to wind Democrate through the field.

Starlish (Rock Of Gibraltar) took over at the lead with two furlongs left and began to drift towards the stand side. Democrate powered to the front followed by Blue Bresil who looked to be the only two in the race. Anthony Crastus put Starlish back on course and stormed down the centre of the track, only to be beaten a short-neck by Democrate.

Blue Bresil was a length away third.

Full Of Gold got back in the game 1½ out and despite an impressive burst of acceleration, managed only fourth with Court Canibal (Montjeu) fifth.

Democrate, who had finished bridesmaid on his three starts to date, finally broke his maiden status and although now a G.2 winner, would likely not have won if Starlish had not drifted so far towards the centre of the track.