Derby year in focus

Chantilly, Monday 13 March: The first of two events this week at the Hippodrome de Chantilly goes ahead today with eight races.

The focus will be on two tests for the Derby yearlings. The fillies will contest the Prix du Château (2nd race/14.25pm/28,000 Euro/1600m). Secretive (Christophe Soumillon) earned a maiden race in Deauville and could end up far in front again. Linfasommer (Aurelien Lemaitre) also surprised in Normandy and, like Indian Gold (Maxime Guyon) who won over grass, is in contention for a top finish.

In the Prix de Lieutenant (3rd race/15.00 h/28,000 Euro/1600 m) Andreas Schütz saddled Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Mickael Barzalona), who showed a lot of promise here. Other track winners are Bless (Stephane Pasquier) and Premier Ordre (Gerald Mosse). Ardito (Maxime Guyon) gave his visiting card here and, like Alashar (Tony Piccone) who was superior in Compiegne, must not be missed in any consideration.