Charlie Johnston’s youngster won in France at the weekend.
Lazy Griff, a rising star in the Charlie Johnston stable, has set his sights on Group One success following an impressive victory at Chantilly on Saturday. The talented two-year-old colt, owned by Middleham Park Racing, claimed the Group Three Prix de Conde, continuing his remarkable run in France. With the Criterium de Saint-Cloud as his next major target, the team is filled with optimism as the colt steadily grows in strength and potential.
In a race where strategy was key, jockey Christophe Soumillon made a bold move that paid off in style. Opting to push Lazy Griff early, he turned the race into a test of stamina, ensuring the bay colt stretched the field and held off a fast-finishing runner-up to claim victory by a neck. It wasn’t just a win — it was a demonstration of tactical brilliance and the colt’s growing prowess.
Mike Prince of Middleham Park Racing reflected on the victory with immense satisfaction: “We’d been eyeing this race ever since his strong performance in the Listed race at Deauville. We knew he’d show more over nine furlongs, and he’s proving to be even more precocious than we initially anticipated.”
Crafting a Stamina-Fueled Victory
Prince revealed that the strategy had been meticulously planned, with Soumillon’s ride executing it to perfection. “We wanted Christophe to test the stamina of the field. That’s why he kicked on earlier than usual to stretch them out a bit. It got a little close at the end, but Super Soumi had them well cooked. It was a comfortable win.”
While Lazy Griff’s victory was narrow, there was never a doubt that he was in control. The colt’s ability to dictate the race from the front, even under pressure, spoke volumes about his endurance and growing confidence on the track.
Led from start to finish! Lazy Griff is allowed to dictate at @fgchantilly for @CSoumillon, @Johnston_Racing and @MprUpdates… pic.twitter.com/GIOOm3QARp
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 21, 2024
The next challenge for Lazy Griff is set to be the Group One Criterium de Saint-Cloud, a prestigious race held over 10 furlongs in late October. The Johnston stable has already tasted success in this event, having won in 2022 with Dubai Mile. With Lazy Griff showing promise with every race, hopes are high for another memorable performance in the same race.
A Growing Reputation and French Finesse
Lazy Griff’s affinity for French tracks has been a significant advantage, having now made two trips across the Channel with success in both outings. “He’s travelled to France twice and has run well both times. He’s experienced with the travel, and we’ve got no qualms about taking him back again,” Prince remarked.
One potential concern could be the condition of the ground in late October, as the softer turf often presents challenges. However, Prince is confident the colt’s German breeding will make him adaptable to different track conditions. “The ground might be heavier at that time of year, but he’s German-bred. He made his debut at Doncaster on good to soft ground, so we’re not particularly worried about softer conditions.”
The team’s confidence is palpable. Despite Lazy Griff being just two years old, his physicality and endurance hint at a horse with a bright future. Prince is optimistic not only for this season but also for what’s to come. “He’s definitely a three-year-old type, and we hope there’s a lot more to come next year.”
From Minor Events to Group Contender
Lazy Griff’s journey from a minor victory at Beverley to competing — and winning — at Group level has been nothing short of impressive. After a third-place finish in the Listed race at Deauville in August, the decision was made to step him up in distance. That decision paid dividends as Lazy Griff thrived over the extended nine furlongs.
“We knew he’d improve with the step-up in distance,” Prince said. “He’s very stoutly bred, and while we thought he’d be more of a late-season horse, he started showing his potential earlier than expected. We had to move quickly with him, and it’s all come together nicely.”
It’s clear that Lazy Griff has surpassed initial expectations, showing a toughness and maturity beyond his years. In his previous races, he struggled slightly over a mile, as Prince explained. “He had gotten slightly outpaced over a mile and was vulnerable to horses with a bit more pace, but he’s found his stride as the distances have increased.”
The Road Ahead: All Eyes on Saint-Cloud
As the team looks forward to the Criterium de Saint-Cloud on October 27th, there’s a sense of excitement surrounding Lazy Griff. His performance at Chantilly, combined with his ability to travel well and handle various conditions, makes him a serious contender for the Group One race.
With the memory of Dubai Mile’s 2022 victory still fresh, Charlie Johnston and Middleham Park Racing are eager to repeat that success. Lazy Griff’s burgeoning potential and the tactical brilliance of Christophe Soumillon make them believe that Group One glory is well within reach.The road to Saint-Cloud is paved with promise, and all eyes will be on Lazy Griff as he seeks to add another major victory to his growing resume. One thing is for sure — this rising star has only just begun to shine.
