Recoletos just denied Wind Chimes in a thrilling renewal of the Group One Prix du Moulin de Longchamp on Sunday.
The Whipper colt, ridden by Olivier Peslier (pictured) was winning his second top-level contest after landing the Prix d’Ispahan at the same track in May and he boosted the form of Alpha Centauri in the meantime having finished second to Jessica Harrington’s superstar filly in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville last month.
It was a close run thing as Wind Chimes battled well once headed and was only just denied in a photo, with Expert Eye running on for a never-nearer third.
Fellow British runners Lightning Spear and Without Parole finished fifth and sixth respectively.
Laffon-Parias told At The Races: "Olivier is the best. I think when you get Olivier, it's a guarantee.
"It was a really good Group One race today with firm ground, but that was better because we always say the winner only ran on soft ground, so he's proved he likes firm. All his best races have been on good ground.
"He will go to Ascot, probably for the QEII, on Champions Day. We will stay at the mile and then maybe the Breeders' Cup, that's normally the programme."
Sky Bet cut Recoletos to 6/1 from 8/1 for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on British Champions Day (October 20).
Sky Bet Queen Elizabeth II Stakes odds:
- Alpha Centauri 3/1
- Saxon Warrior 4/1
- Lord Glitters 6/1
- RECOLETOS 6/1
- Expert Eye 8/1
- Roaring Lion 8/1
- 12/1 BAR
- Odds correct at 1530 BST on 09/09/2018
- Click here for the very latest odds
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