Classics at Longchamp

The Poule d´Essai des Poulains at 15.25 and the Poule d´Essai des Pouliches at 16.00 at Longchamp today are the French equivalent of the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas respectively and both have attracted a strong international field. 3 of the 11 runners in the colts race are trained in Ireland and Vocalised (Jim Bolger/ Kevin Manning) has already won 3 times this season, while Aidan O´Brien saddles Westphalia (Johnny Murtagh) and Born to be King (Jamie Spenser). Naqoos (Freddie Head/ Davy Bonilla), despite his unexpected defeat first time out, looks the best of the locals, although Silver Frost (Yves de Nicolay/ Christophe Soumillon) has does nothing wrong so far this year. After Godolphin won yesterdays Italian Derby, the stable will also be hoping for a prominent showing by Shaweel (Frankie Dettori), but Frankie´s best chance is surely Fantasia (Luca Cumani) in the fillies´ race.

This one won the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket in most impressive fashion and is likely to start a very hot favourite today, and give her owner George Strawbridge some recompense for the defeat of Rainbow View in the British equivalent last week. The other big race at Longchamp is the Prix de St. Georges over 1000 metres at 16.35, where Marchand d´Or (Head/ Bonilla) must make amends for his poor showing in Hong Kong and Dubai. German hope Mood Music (Mario Hofer/ Maxime Guyon) is very speedy, but still likely to be outclassed in this company.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Hyawatha - Zarkamar - Santo Thomas
2. Race: Landskia - Shediyama - Qertaas
3. Race: Dam d`Augy - A La Vida - Magic Box
4. Race: Naaqoos - Le Havre - Westphalia
5. Race: Fantasia - Elusive Wave - Proportional
6. Race: Tayseer - Marchand D`Or - Mood Music
7. Race: Green Pride - Lumiere De Boitron - Punisher
8. Race: Ardbeg - Fair Attitude - Nice Applause
9. Race: Zitenly - Flashmob - Icy Major