Cheikeljack has emerged as the latest classic contender for Vinery shuttler Myboycharlie (Ire) in France.
The Henri Alex-Pantal trained colt is the 10th stakes winner by Myboycharlie following a convincing victory in the G3 Prix Djebel (1400m) at Maisons-Laffitte on Thursday. In command from the outset, he stayed well clear of a melee back in the field that saw stewards change the finishing order among the minor placegetters.
Cheikeljack (3c Myboycharlie – Senderlea by Giant’s Causeway) had won by a combined 12 lengths in his first two starts at Le Lion-D’angers last year before finishing third in the G3 Prix Thomas Bryon (1200m) at Saint-Cloud in October.
He resumed with an encouraging fifth in the LR Prix Omnium (1600m) at Saint-Cloud last month but started at $12 second-up. “He has quality and the 1400m was perfect today,” Alex-Pantal said. “Things went wrong last year and 1600m proved too long on his return. I will discuss his program with the owner Mme Jacques Cygler.”
Style Vendome (Anabaa) completed the Prix Djebel – French 2000 Guineas double three years ago and the Longchamp classic on May 15 is a likely target for the progressive son of Myboycharlie.
Cheikeljack is a half-brother to five winners and their dam Senderlea is a half-sister to the stakes winners Quest For Honor (Highest Honor) and Astrologie (Polish Precedent). It’s the family of G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Mtoto.
Myboycharlie filly Jameka is a $3.80 TAB favourite for the G1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick this Saturday. She won the G1 Victorian Oaks in November and is the market leader, despite a wide draw, ahead of More Than Ready filly Happy Hannah ($4.60).
