Sottsass got back to winning ways in workmanlike rather than spectacular fashion in Sunday’s Gr1 Prix Ganay (2100m) at Chantilly.
Christian Demuro positioned Sottsass on the quarters of Shaman in the early stages and was poised to challenge as the small field of five approached the home straight.
Easing to the front 300m out victory looked certain but Sottsass was pressed hard by a game Way To Paris and at the finish had a head to spare with front running Shaman three lengths further back in third.
The Jean-Claude Rouget-trained Sottsass was beaten two lengths into fourth place behind Shaman in the Gr2 Prix d’Harcourt at Longchamp when resuming on May 11 and Demuro told Equidia he was still expecting further improvement from last year’s Prix du Jockey-Club winner and highest-rated 3yo in the world.
“It’s a relief because we knew he wasn’t at 100% for his comeback run, but even so, he finished a way behind some of the horses he faced again today,” Demuro said.
“I know the second horse well, and I’m happy that today we have seen the real Sottsass, while I think he can improve again for the run.”