Classic trials in France

Longchamp today stages the most important trials for the two French Guineas races, the Poules d´Essai. All eyes will be on Dabarsim (Christophe Ferland/ Christophe Soumillon), who makes his reappearence in the Prix de Fontainebleau at 16.10 CET. The colt was unbeaten in 5 starts last year and was officially rated the joint-best 2yo in Europe as well as voted Horse of the Year in France; he is owned by onextwo boss Simon Springer and is reported to have done very well over the winter, in which case he should win today. So Fast (Freddie Head/ Olivier Peslier) look his most serious opponent, but finished twice behind him in 2011 and in our view will do so again. Dragon Pulse (Mikl Delzangles/ Gergory Benoist), trained in Ireland last year, and Historic Find (Andre Fabre/ Maxime Guyon) are next best.

The fillies race, the Prix de la Grotte at 15.40, looks much more open. Zentenda (Head/ Peslier) is the likely favourite after finishing third in the Marcel Boussac, but Beauty Parlour /Elie Lellouche/ Soumillon) is a big danger after winning both of her 2011 starts very easily, both at Saint-Cloud. Fabre has supplemented all-weather winner Woven Lace (Guyon), but she will need to show tremendous improvement - by no means impossible with this trainer, who has a good record in this race- while we shall support Mandista (Alain de Royer-Dupre/ Christophe Lemaire), an easy winner of her only start last year and whose stable is in great form. She can complete a successful day for her owner-breeder the Aga Khan.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Last Train - Criel - Great Link
2. Race: Everett - In For A Penny - Around The Moon
3. Race: Amerique - La Arenosa - Orion Moon
4. Race: Speedy Crown - Inside Man - Kardo
5. Race: Beauty Parlour - Zantenda - Mandistana
6. Race: Dabirsim - Sofast - Coup de Theatre
7. Race: Footstepsinthecity - Antalia - Senatorside
8. Race: Riwan - Metal Precieux - Louve Rose