The John Oxx-trained Masilia proved a disappointing favourite when only sixth in the £13,579 listed Prix Belle de Nuit over 12 and a half furlongs at muddy Maisons-Laffitte in France yesterday.
There was also disappointment for the Mark Prescott-trained Alakaanda, who finished unplaced. The Newmarket raider made headway to lead rounding the final turn only to be swallowed up in the straight.
Luna Sacra (10 to 1) beat Jomana by half a length in the fillies and mares contest..
GERMAN trainer Christian Von Der Recke was delighted with the performance of his Grafton Truce to finish a four-length second behind Martin Pipe's La Maestra in the Brimardon 16 Years of Winners Selling Hurdle at Leicester yesterday.
Grafton Truce goes under the hammer at Doncaster today with a reserve of 10,000 guineas on his head. Explaining his decision to make the long haul to Leicester, Von Der Recke said: "There is nothing for him in Germany and he had to go to Switzerland for his last win.
"If he doesn't get sold at Doncaster, he'll be on his travels again and will run in Italy."
La Maestra was the subject of a heated bidding duel at the auction between Pipe and Sue Wilton and was eventually knocked down to the latter for 9,500 guineas.
