Derby test of Lavello in the Prix Hocquart

Longchamp, Thursday, 26 May: Two decisions at Group 2 level will be made today at the Nobel track in Longchamp.

The Derby will be contested in the Prix Hocquart (5th race/18.56/130,000 Euro/2200 m), in which the Bavarian Classic winner Lavello (Andrasch Starke) from the stable of Markus Klug is one of five participants. The Zarak son will be joined by the current winners L`Astronome (Christophe Soumillon), Selwan (Stephane Pasquier) and Galaxie Gold (Ioritz Mendizabal) as well as Garachico (Gerald Mosse), who finished third in Group 3 in the Prix Noailles here.

The stayer class will be addressed in the Prix Vicomtesse Vigier (8th race/20.45 h/130,000 Euro/3100 m). Here the result of the Prix de Barbeville (Group 3) will be put to the test. The Good Man (Theo Bachelot) won safely here on 1 May ahead of Bubble Smart (Gerald Mosse), who had to stretch out against Joie de Soir (Maxime Guyon) for third. Call The Wind (Christophe Soumillon) remained fourth ahead of Skazino (Mickael Barzalona), who has great sympathy as defending champion. Love Child (Olivier Peslier) pleased here at List level and, like Esope (Stephane Pasquier) who last showed up in September on this course in the Prix de Lutece (Group 3), should be noted. Irish St Leger winner Search For A Song (Chris Hayes) from Dermot Weld`s in-form stable can beat them all on her third start of the season.