Stellar card as Longchamp roars back into action

Following seven weeks on a meagre international diet, French racing roars back into action with a stellar card and all-star cast at Parislongchamp today.

Two Classic trials and the Prix d’harcourt are the headline event, with Victor Ludorum understandably well fancied for the Prix de Fontainebleau – a rehearsal for the French 2000 Guineas. It will be a surprise if the Godolphin colt is beaten given a perfect record of three wins in three for Andre Fabre.

Theshamardalcoltmade his debut over this mile last September and his stylish hands-and-heels victory signalled him out as potentially smart. That impression was confirmed with another comfortable verdict at Chantilly only 17 days later, with Fabre then making the leap to Group One company on Arc day.

Victor Ludorum handled that step up with aplomb, although the early pace in the Prix Jean-luc Lagardere was pretty slow and resulted in a bunch finish which perhaps gives the form a slightly shaky look.

Fabre’s runner could do no more than he did though, and while the margin of victory was narrow, he won readily on ground that possibly did not suit.

Those wanting to oppose the favourite can look at Helter Skelter, who was fifth in the Lagardere but made up plenty of ground from the rear to be beaten less than two lengths.

Fabre fields the Group One-placed Tropbeau in the French 1000 Guineas trial, the Prix de la Grotte, but preference is for the well-touted Khayzaraan.

This Kingman filly has been well supported in recent days, despite the fact she has yet to be tested in Pattern company.

A half-sister to a multiple Group sprint winner, Khayzaraan came forward from her debut when bounding nine lengths clear at the second attempt and again caught the eye on her final start in a Chantilly conditions race, making all for a four-anda-half-length verdict.

Freddy Head has taken a patient approach with this filly, but that can start to pay dividends now.