Top line-up at the Prix Ganay

Longchamp, Sunday, 30 April: The Prix Ganay (5th race/15.50 hrs/300,000 Euros/2100 m), the first Group 1 race of the current season, will be held today on the posh track in Longchamp.

Eight participants ensure a balanced field. Bay Bridge (Ryan Moore) from the stable of Sir Michael Stoute is likely to be the favourite. It is the first appearance in France for the five-year-old, who recently won the Champion Stakes (Group 1). The focus is also on Jean-Claude Rouget`s Vadeni (Christophe Soumillon), who, like Bay Bridge, is making his seasonal debut. The French Derby winner crowned his successful career with honours in the `Arc de Triomphe`. Simca Mille (Alexis Pouchin) won his last two appearances here at Group 2 level. Three weeks ago, the four-year-old defeated Iresine (Marie Velon), who was not far behind, in the Prix d`Harcourt (Group 2). The Gauvin protégé ended last year with victories in the Prix Foy (Group 2) and the Prix Royal-Oak (Group 1). In total, he has scored eleven bull`s-eyes in 16 appearances. Real World (Oisin Murphy) and Junko (Maxime Guyon) ran unlucky in Meydan this year, for them the victory in the Prix Daniel Wildenstein (Group 2) and the place of honour in the Prix Dollar (Group 2) counts respectively. Place du Carrousel (Mickael Barzalona) is the only mare in the field and is still remembered as the winner of the Prix de l`Opera (Group 1). The little-tried Sabio Cen (Aurelien Lemaitre) has yet to prove himself in this company.