Space Blues produced a decisive turn of foot in the final furlong to open his Group One account in the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville.
A winner at Listed, Group Three and Group Two level on his last three starts, the Godolphin-owned colt finally got his triumph at the top level in impressive fashion in the six-and-a-half furlong contest.
Trained by Charlie Appleby, the son of Dubawi had finished a close third to Advertise in this race 12 months ago, but has improved and now looks the finished article.
Although quickly out of the stalls from his rail draw, William Buick allowed others to set the pace as he gave his mount plenty of cover towards the rear.
Kevin Ryan's Hello Youmzain soon grabbed the lead on the stands side, while the Clive Cox-trained Golden Horde was to the fore in the centre of the course. The latter was tracked by Godolphin’s other runner, Earthlight, from Andre Fabre’s stable.
There was a wide-open look to the race inside the final two furlongs, as Hello Youmzain and Golden Horse tried to kick clear while favourite Earthlight ultimately flattered to deceive.
The gaps appeared for Space Blues, who burst through and stormed past his rivals in the final half-furlong to win by three-quarters of a length.
Hello Youmzain held on for second place, with Aidan O’Brien’s Lope Y Fernandez a head away in third.
The first three all returned higher odds on the French PMU compared to industry starting prices, with Space Blues 22-5 (4-1 SP), Hello Youmzain 17-1 (14-1 SP) and Lope Y Fernandez 12-1 (10-1 SP).
Appleby said: "I'm delighted – this horse deserves a Group One.
"Last season as a three-year-old he was placed in two (Group Ones) and was a very consistent little horse.
"This year he’s been faultless and every time he’s been stepped up in grade he’s been winning more impressively. Today it all worked out well for him.
"William rode him with so much confidence. He said from halfway he knew he was going to win.
"He’ll have a break now and we’ll aim for the Foret."
