Esoterique swoops in Sun Chariot

Esoterique (yellow cap) won the Sun Chariot a shade cosily. Image courtesy of racingfotos.com 

Esoterique had finished only fourth to Integral in a muddling renewal of the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes last season, but she has looked an improved performer this term, beating the boys in the Prix Jacques le Marois on her previous start, and she ultimately ran out a ready winner at Newmarket, edging ahead close home to win by one and a half lengths.

Integral had bossed things from the front when winning last year’s Sun Chariot, and she again set out to make all as Ryan Moore dictated things against the far rail. Esoterique was never too far off the pace and was always travelling well in the hands of Pierre-Charles Boudot, but she had to wait for a gap, not seeing a great deal of daylight until they entered the final furlong. She quickly picked up once in the clear, though, showcasing a good turn of foot as she swept into the lead under a hands-and-heels ride, comfortably seeing off the gallant Integral who was finding plenty for pressure. Irish Rookie finished a length and a half back in third.

The five-year-old Esoterique has improved with age and she has enjoyed her best season to date this year. Strictly on the figures, she didn’t need to run up to her very best to win the Sun Chariot, a steady pace – and having to wait for a gap – meaning that she was unable to assert her true superiority. Her Timeform master rating is likely to remain unchanged on 124.

Trainer Andre Fabre is keeping option open for Esoterique, stating that potential targets include the Breeders’ Cup, Hong Kong, Japan and Champions Day, for which she holds an entry in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Were Esoterique to take her chance in the QEII she could potentially clash with Solow – the horse who beat her by a length in the Queen Anne Stakes over C&D at Royal Ascot – and 2000 Guineas winner Gleneagles. Once her sex allowance has been accounted for, Esoterique wouldn’t have much to find on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings with that duo – in the region of 2 or 3 lbs – which is a testament to how far she has come this season.