Wild Illusion gives Godolphin more G1 Marcel Boussac success

Wuhieda provided Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby with victory in the 2016 G1 Prix Marcel Boussac and this year it was the turn of Wild Illusion to win the mile race for fillies at Chantilly, France, on October 1.

Charlie Appleby supplemented the two-year-old Dubawi filly for the Prix Marcel Boussac after she finished third over the same course and distance in the G3 Prix d'Aumale on September 3 and then improved back at home.

Wild Illusion, wearing cheek-pieces for the first time, was well away in the field of seven under James Doyle who settled her in second on the outside as Soustraction took them along.

She was asked to challenge the leader after turning into the straight and went to the front with a quarter-mile remaining.

Wild Illusion ran on gamely and saw off all challengers to score by a length and a half from the previously unbeaten Polydream in 1m 37.47s on soft ground.

Charlie Appleby commented: “Wild Illusion was impressive on her first start at Yarmouth and I felt that she learned an awful lot last time out over this course.

“She subsequently improved again at home and I felt that was enough to justify supplementing her for the Prix Marcel Boussac.

“I spoke to His Highness in depth about this filly and he said go for it if you are happy with Wild Illusion and we were. 

“We put the cheek-pieces on her because stepping up to this level, we just wanted to keep her concentration there; nothing more than that. She is as genuine as the day is long – you have just seen that there.

“She is a lovely filly and has got a great pedigree - another Dubawi G1-winning two-year-old.

“I am absolutely delighted – it was a similar performance to Wuheida’s last year – posted out wide and then a copybook ride. William (Buick) won last year and James is riding out of his skin at the moment – he knows the filly and has given her a great ride today.

“It is great for the team. We will put Wild Illusion away for the winter now – that is her done for the year and we can live the dream for next spring.

“We will see how she winters – staying is going to be her game, but I am sure she will be in the reckoning for the 1000 Guineas. She is a relentless galloper.”

James Doyle added: “It was a great training performance by Charlie and there was plenty of confidence from him.

“We put the cheek-pieces on just to help Wild Illusion concentrate. She got a little bit lost around this track the previous time.”