The Listed Derby du Languedoc (2400m) at Toulouse in France overnight produced a quinella for Coolmore sires Churchill (IRE) and Wootton Bassett (GB) with progressive colt Zweig hanging on to win in a thriller over lightly raced filly Wootton Zi.
Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, Zweig had one run at two for a third and this year has been on an upswing with this victory bringing his overall record to three wins from five starts.
The favourite Wooton Zi was held up for a run, but will not doubt get her turn to win a stakes race sooner rather than later.
Zweig made €130,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale after initially making €80,000at the Goffs November Foal Sale.
He is the best of three winners from Euthenia, a winning half-sister by Winker Watson to Group II winner Laugh Out Loud (dam of Group II winner Platinum Warrior) and stakes-winner Suzi’s Decision.
Zweig is the 22nd stakes-winner for Churchill, who is again on the Coolmore Australia roster this spring at a fee of $19,800.