Battle royale in Paris

THERE is a fascinating contest in prospect in France tomorrow when Charlie Appleby’s Autumn Stakes winner Ghaiyyath takes on Roger Varian’s unbeaten Willie John in the Prix du Prince D’Orange at ParisLongchamp. Ghaiyyath went into the winter as Godolphin’s leading contender for the Derby, which Sheikh Mohammed’s operation won with stablemate Masar. Unfortunately an injury picked up earlier in the year has kept the Dubawi colt off the track until now. ‘Ghaiyyath met with a setback in the spring, but his preparation going into this race has gone well,’ said Appleby (right) ahead of the Group Three contest. ‘We are looking forward to getting him back on track, although he will come forward for whatever he does this weekend.’ Willie John created a stir when he won on his debut at Yarmouth, after which he was sold out of William Haggas’ yard for 1.9million guineas. He won on his debut for Varian at Doncaster by five lengths. ‘Willie John won in good style at Doncaster and I have been very pleased since. This looks a strong field, but we feel he is ready.’