Mr Versatile as a sire, Coolmore shuttler Wootton Bassett (GB) gets fast juveniles, quality milers and a smattering of classy stayers including one of his rare grey offspring in Presage Nocturne, who won the Group III Prix Prix de Barbeville (3000m) at Longchamp on Sunday.
Trained by Alessandro & Giuseppe Botti, the five year-old stallion was a Listed stakes-winner in France at the end of last year and more recently was fourth in a Group II feature at Riyadh in Saudi Arabia in February.
He was strong to the line for Stephane Pasquier to win by a head taking his overall record to five wins and six placings from 14 starts.
"I was quite confident beforehand because he seemed so well, but they only hacked and, although he can sprint, it wasn't ideal for him," said co-trainer Alessandro Botti.
"We have several options now, and he could go to America or else target the new Group 1 here [the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier]. He has never stopped improving."
Presage Nocturne was offered as a tried horse at the Arqana Arc Sale last year and passed in shy of a €400,000 reserve, so connections obviously believe he has plenty to offer this year.
He is the best of three winners from stakes-placed Verglas mare Kyurem, who comes from the family of long distance Group winning stayers Epitre and Epistolaire.
The oldest Australian Wootton Bassett progeny are two year-olds and he is sitting second on the first season sires list by earnings and is expected back in Australia this spring.
