G1 – 2100m – Turf
1 |
Vadeni |
An easy winner of a key trial in the Prix de Guiche over 1800m of the Jockey Club track at Chantilly. Son of a miler in Churchill, has a slight question mark over his stamina but remains a leading contender. |
2 |
Al Hakeem |
A course and distance winner at Chantilly in his trial, after which trainer Jean-Claude Rouget compared him to 2016 Jockey Club winner Almanzor. The choice of stable jockey Cristian Demuro, he has a lethal turn of foot. |
3 |
Welwal |
Lacked the finishing pace to go with the principals when 6th in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains over 1600m. Not impossible he can improve for this step up in trip but far from guaranteed to stay. |
4 |
Imperial Fighter |
Caused a minor shock when finishing third to Native Trail in the Irish 2000 Guineas over 1600m. That run gives him place potential but the balance of his form is less convincing, while on pedigree this distance could find him out. |
5 |
Onesto |
Produced a fantastic finishing effort to win his trial at Saint-Cloud in a fast time. After only four career starts there could be more improvement to come and rates one of the leading chances. |
6 |
Mister Saint Paul |
Among the likely outsiders despite winning an early trial for this race at Longchamp in April. Put in his place behind Vadeni. May need the rain to arrive to be seen at his best. |
7 |
Modern Games |
Bids to become the fifth colt to complete the Classic double of the Poule d’Essai des Poulains and the Prix du Jockey Club since 2005 when this race had its distance shortened to 2100m. Raced prominently at Longchamp and was well on top at the end and the most likely winner here if lasting home. |
8 |
The Acropolis |
Well-beaten ninth to Modern Games at Longchamp and after ten starts, he is beginning to look exposed at the highest level. First try at further than 1600m. |
9 |
El Bodegon |
British-based challenger who reserves his best form for France. Looked in need of the run when a long way behind Desert Crown at York on his reappearance and may require soft ground to thrive. One to consider if the rain arrives. |
10 |
Lassaut |
Bred to improve for this extra distance, which may also help to offset his habit of breaking slowly from the stalls. Suffered interference at a crucial stage behind Modern Games at Longchamp and definitely has potential to figure in the finish. |
11 |
Machete |
A winner on the sand at Chantilly and some crucial experience of the turf track here when second to Vadeni. Should improve for the extra 300m but will need to. |
12 |
Ancient Rome |
Showed a high level of form at two and ran as if the extra distance should be a help when fourth to Modern Games over 1600m. Andre Fabre’s only runner and has at least place prospects. |
13 |
Vagalame |
From a respected stable and improving with each start, though his official rating leaves him with am awful lot to find with the principals. Recent form received a boost, which suggests he is a Group level horse. |
14 |
Yoozuna |
Finished best of the rest when well-beaten by Al Hakeem at Chantilly over 2000m. Good chance he will take a step forward from that run but there is no obvious reason why he should reverse that form. |
15 |
Ivy League |
Unraced at two but has made up for lost time with five starts this season, most recently finishing a well-beaten seventh behind Native Trail in the Irish 2000 Guineas. First try at beyond 1600m. |