Pinatubu restores faith in Qatar Prix Jean Prat

Pinatubu (William Buick 2-5), literally thundered his way through a classy field on Sunday, to hold Lope Y Fernandez (Lortiz Mendizabal 2-1), in the Qatar Prix Jean Prat, Deauville.

Charlie Appleby watched anxiously as they approached the final furlong, because Pinatubu had not yet found his mojo.

He was already stuck in a pocket earlier, behind Molatham. Suddenly, changing to fifth gear for owner, Sheikh Mohammed, Pinatubu went on comfortably, and is now programed for a return for the Prix du Moulin, or Prix de la Foret.

Importantly, he should receive only light racing over 1,400m. Goodwood is not an option, although, bookies have slammed him right down to favorite, in case.

Pinatubu was only chinned in the Saint James' Palace Stakes last month, and third in the 2,000 Guineas - probably a little un-sharp, but this is a crazily powerful three-year-old, with plenty more to offer.

Lortiz Mendizabal, nearly reached the wire, a week after his Prix du Jockey Club tricks, but Lope Y Fernandez still sought a little extra to topple Malutro, Wooded, and, Arizona for second.

Pinatubu is a son of Shamardal who might make waves in the Keenland Breeders' Cup, if connections chose to go the Mile.

William and Charlie continued their momentous afternoon with Althiqua in the Prix Amandine. Royal Crusade had already emerged from last to first in the Prix de Ris-Orangis. When life falls into a neat meridian, it is such fun.

Normality was also restored to the scene as thousands flocked to Deauville, willy nilly of any crisis.

The French Government stipulated a maximum number, which included staff, caterers, and, connections. Traffic was bent over backwards, even causing leading jockey, Christophe Soumillon, to miss his opening engagement. All rules were observed and one could see smiling eyes all round. Tres magnifique.