TDN RISING STARS

March 4, 2025 - CHANTILLY, Race 2, Mdn, EUR €0, 1900m, 123.0300

We'll Defend, F, 3, 2022 by Zelzal (Fr)

1st Dam: Skysweeper (Fr), by Hurricane Run (Ire)
2nd Dam: Varsity (GB), by Lomitas (GB)
3rd Dam: Renowned (Ire), by Darshaan (GB)

Owner: Victorious Racing & Fawzi Abdullah Ahmed Nass; B-Ecurie Haras du Cadran, SCEA Haras du Ma & Ecurie Patrick Klein (FR)
Breeder: Carlos & Yann Lerner
Trainer: Christophe Soumillon

There were fireworks on Chantilly's Tuesday afternoon card as Carlos and Yann Lerner trainee We'll Defend (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}-Skysweeper {Fr}, by Hurricane Run {Ire}) illuminated proceedings with a taking four-length 'TDN Rising Star' performance in the Prix de la Serpentine, a 9 1/2-furlong contest for unraced fillies.

The G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and G1 Prix de Diane entry was under heavy restraint through the early stages and raced in a handy fourth, behind a sedate pace, for the most part. Cruising forward on the bridle in the home straight, the 3-5 favourite loomed large out wide passing the quarter-mile marker and quickened clear in impressive fashion inside the final furlong to easily overpower Integretas (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) by daylight. We'll Defend becomes the first 'TDN Rising Star' for her Haras de Bouquetot-based sire (by Sea The Stars {Ire}).

"This is a filly we have loved since day one and she would have run last year if not for a minor setback," explained trainer Yann Lerner. "We were quite confident for this first run and, if all is well, she will run next time in the Prix Durban at Saint Cloud. That is a Class 1 race for fillies, it's the same program we followed with her [half-] sister La Parisienne and we'll see where we go from there."