Excellent Prix Niel second for Avilius

Avilius ran well to finish runner-up in the 12-furlong G2 Prix Niel at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, September 10. 

The progressive three-year-old colt, trained by Andre Fabre and ridden as usual by Mickael Barzalona, was settled in third of the five runners as Finche took them along.

The son of Pivotal remained in that position until moving up strongly to go second with a quarter-mile to go.

Avilius tried to challenge the new leader Cracksman but could make no impression from the distance, keeping on at one pace in the final furlong.

He was beaten three and a half lengths by Cracksman, whose time on soft going was 2m 37.78s, with Finche a further length back in third.

Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin remarked: “We are absolutely thrilled with Avilius who ran a great race.

“He appreciated the step-up in trip from 10 to 12 furlongs and the soft ground.

“He must have gone forward by another 3lbs or 4lbs and will be a nice horse for next year.”