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Ming Zhi Cosmos made a scintillating return to racing at Chantilly, France overnight to become the China Horse Club’s third winner in as many countries already in 2014.

A brilliant front-running ride by Thierry Thulliez ensured the filly was always in command of the Prix de la Pistole (1600m) and the ease of her win is likely to see her once again take a tilt in stakes company in her coming starts. Ming Zhi Cosmos was tried in stakes company as a juvenile in 2013 and finished four in a blanket finish in the Listed Prix Saraca. Her season return as a three-year-old was a clear indication that she has lost none of the promise trainer Nicolas Clement has long seen in her.

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Ming Zhi Cosmos joins Zululand, winner of the G2 VRC Sires Produce Stakes (Australia), and Rite of Spring (Singapore) as early winners in 2014 with a series of placings from all three countries as well.

China Horse Club France, under the direction of Clement, has started 2014 in blistering fashion with stablemate Jiayuguan only touched out by a head when rocketing home from last at Chantilly earlier in the week.

“Nicolas has his team in great order and the patience shown last season will hopefully translate to this year,” said Eden Harrington, China Horse Club’s General Manager.

“Ming Zhi Cosmos and Jiayuguan are the first of a series of promising performers in Nicolas’ care to have begun racing and both have made encouraging returns this season. We couldn’t be happier with how our French stable has started and, like all owners, our members are hopefully that our French stable can continue to play a key role in our global operation.”