Sporting a very familiar set of silks in an unfamiliar setting, the John Messara and Arno Curty-owned Skyward chalked up the first victory for his new owners in Sunday’s Group III Prix de Reux, run over 2,500 metres at Deauville.
Ridden by Stephane Pasquier for Chantilly-based trainer Fabrice Chappet, the 4yo son of Camelot took command at the 200-metre mark and kept up a strong gallop to defeat Sublimis (Shamardal) by one and a half lengths with Styledargent (Style Vendome) a short-head back in third.
Skyward was undefeated in three starts last season culminating in the Listed Prix Turenneover a mile and a half at Saint-Cloud.
That’s when Messara swooped having an eye on a Melbourne Cup contender.
Following a long lay off, Skyward lost his unbeaten tag when fourth in a Listed race at Lyon Parilly in May before a fifth in a Listed race over a mile and a half at Compiegne a month later.
The Group II Lucien Barrière Grand Prix de Deauville could be the immediate goal for Skyward who also holds an entry for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
A half-brother to the dual Group III winner and Group 1 Deauville Prix Jean Romanet runner-up Siyouchake (Siyouni), Skyward was a 170,000gns buyback from the Coulonces Sales consignment at the 2017 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.
His dam Shakeyourbody (Giant’s Causeway is a sister to the two-season shuttler Frost Giant (USA) who won the Grade 1 Suburban Handicap at Belmont.
