G1 – 1600m – Turf
San Donato |
Connections were thinking of staying to shorter distances but instead they are giving him the chance of staying 1600m in this G1 French Classic. Gained three straight wins at around 1200m late last season, latterly in Listed company at Doncaster. Tends to challenge late. |
Graignes |
Placed in G3, G2 and G1 company late season in France. Gave every indication that he was at least as good at three when making steady ground from off the speed, only just failing to win a G3 over the straight 1400m at Maisons-Laffitte last month. Chance if he thrives at 1600m. |
Van Beethoven |
Never able to get a good position after missing the break from a wide draw in a G2 at Meydan in March. His two wins last season came over 1200m but he had performed creditably over 1600m at Dundalk on his penultimate start. |
No Needs Never |
Generally progressive last season until disappointing in a G3 on his final start. This big colt made a solid 2019 return when a staying-on second in a G3 at Naas with some talented older horses struggling behind him. Should last 1600m, and good or fast ground is thought ideal. |
Simply Striking |
A runaway winner of his first two starts – at Maisons-Laffitte – though they were over sprint distances. Good efforts in both 2019 starts especially when third in a 1400m Listed event here last month. But not proven at 1600m and anyhow this is a much tougher challenge. |
Anodor |
His nearest victim on his debut win at Deauville last August was Persian King who looks sure to start favourite for this. He then led throughout to win a G3 over this course and distance, but raced too freely when favourite but only third in a G1 here last October. |
Munitions |
May be the Fabre second string behind Persian King but looked pretty smart in his own right when upgrading on his two-year-old form to bravely fend off Graignes in a G3 over Maisons-Laffitte’s straight 1400m last month. |
Persian King |
Has won his last four starts, the first two by runaway distances and then when getting the better of Magna Grecia (winner of last weekend’s 2,000 Guineas) in a Newmarket G3 prior to a seriously impressive 2019 return in the main trial for this – a course and distance G3 – last month. Looks a worthy favourite. |
Duke Of Hazzard |
Began his career at sprint distances but has proven himself at 1600m, winning a Listed contest at Deauville last October. Made a respectable 2019 return, the only problem being that he was thrashed 5.25L into third by his super smart rival here Persian King. |
Never No More |
Has had this on his agenda since gaining the second of his two wins this season, a Listed 1400m event on soft ground at Leopardstown last month – racing quite prominently and asserting near home. His trainer thinks he’s got a good chance of staying 1600m. |
Advertise |
Making a quick reappearance after his rather disappointing performance in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. Plenty of success last season – including at G1 level at The Curragh – but not yet proven over 1600m and hard to see him bouncing back in this Longchamp challenge. |
Senza Limiti |
Accelerated nicely clear of his opposition over 1394m on his debut at Salisbury last October. Made an encouraging return when just held in a tough finish to a 1600m conditions race on the Kempton all-weather, though the winner let down the form subsequently. |
Shaman |
Not a superstar at two but has won both his starts this season, suggesting that he has developed into a smart three-year-old. Most recently, he led for most of the way to win an 1800m G3 here at Longchamp. Clearly no stamina issues. |
