French Guineas at Longchamp

Easily the best racing in Europe today takes place in France, where Longchamp stages one of its best days of the year, highlighted by the French equivalents of the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas. Both have very strong fields with fancied runners from Britain, and we hope that Wootton Bassett (Richard Fahey/ Paul Hanagan) can take the Poule d´Essai des Poulains (2,000) at 16.25 CET.

After winning two valuable sales races in England, he provide trainer and jockey with their first ever Group One when making all to take the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere over this CD last October and on that form can follow up by winning them their first classic. He is not ideally drawn, but with the stable in fantastic form can dominate these opponents. Godolphin supply possibly the most dangerous opponents , with Modern History (Andre Fabre/ Mikael Barzalona) in their French colours and the supplemented Midsummer Fair (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Frankie Dettori) in blue. Of the home hopefuls, Glaswegian (Pascal Bary/ Stephane Pasquier) has the best prospects, having beaten 7 of these when taking the Prix de Fontainebleau. However that form looks slightly suspect, and possibly Surfrider (Eric Libaud/ Christophe Lemaire) and Havana Smoker (Jean-Claude Rouget/ Ioritz Mendizibal), first and second in the Prix Djebel, are the strongest French candidates. Irish hope Imperial Fame (David Wach man/ Ryan Moore) is another unbeaten runner and by no means without a chance.

The Poule d´Essair des Pouliches (1,000) at 15.08 also has a huge field and a strong favourite -Golden Lilac (Andre Fabre/ Olivier Peslier), owned by Gestüt Ammerland. She has won all her 3 starts in good style and was particularly impressive when taking the Prix de la Grotte over this CD last time. There is a strong British challenge here as well, headed by Maqaasid (John Gosden/Richard Hills), 3rd in the 1,000 at Newmarket, and Rimth (Paul Cole/ Christophe Soumillon), supplemented for this after winning the Fred Darling at Newbury. Godolphin now run Zoowraa (Mahmood al Zarooni/ Dettori), unbeaten in 2 starts last year for Michael Jarvis, while the Irish hope Wild Wind (Aidan O´Brien/ Ryan Moore) has been beaten on both starts this year, and both of these will have to improve. The main threat to Golden Lilac could be Helleborine (Criquette Head-Maarek/ Pasquier) whose stable has a very good record in this event.

The Group Two Prix Hocquart for 3yo´s over 2200 metres at 14.30 is a significant Derby trial and there could even be a German winner, as unbeaten Lindenthaler (Peter Schiergen/ Andrasch Starke) looks very useful after winning all 3 starts. He is certain to finish in the money as there are only 5 runners. Godolphin again provide the main opposition with Grand Vent (Fabre/ Barzalona) and Genius Beast (Zarooni/ Dettori); we expect the last-named, who missed the Dante for this. to win, but this race should certainly be informative.

The Prix de Saint-Georges over 1000 metres at 15.45 sees many of Europe´s leading sprinters in the line-up. Mikel Delzangles saddles Marchand d´Or (Davy Bonilla) and Total Gallery (Gregory Benoist), both past winners of the Abbaye. The former won this race last year, but he is no longer as consistent as he used to be. His seasonal debut could be the time to catch him, but we prefer Prohibit (Robert Cowell/ Dettori).

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Testosterone - Avongrove - Skallet
2. Race: Prairie Star - Genius Beast - Prairie Star
3. Race: Golden Lilac - Helleborine - Rimth
4. Race: Inxile - Mar Adentro - Marchand D`Or
5. Race: Glaswegian - Salto - Modern History
6. Race: Curro Perote - King Air - Verglacial
7. Race: Valiyr - Pedregalejo - Golden Criss
8. Race: Stelrock - Marosh - Umiro