It’s Prix du Jockey Club day at Chantilly, with the big French Classic headlining a huge day of action in France.
3.30 Chantilly – Ballydoyle duo fancied for French Derby
A scintillating renewal of the feature Group 1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club where all eyes will be on Constitution River as he bids to overcome a wide draw in stall 15.
Aidan O’Brien’s son of Wootton Bassett oozed class when making a winning return in the Dee Stakes and, with that form having been franked and the glowing reports from his connections, he rates the one to beat. The wide draw is not ideal for Ryan Moore, but he should have plenty of pace to aim at.
Stablemate Hawk Mountain enjoyed top-level success as a two-year-old and made a pleasing reappearance when scoring in a trial here. Still showing signs of greenness, he will need to be more professional if he is to scoop this prize.
Of those at bigger prices, Hankelow has a nice draw in stall one and might be suited by this extra distance, while the unbeaten Dolmalan has looked exciting for Mikel Delzangles, but will now face his stiffest test yet.
Daryzan, a half-brother to Arc victor Daryz, will be expected to run a big race as he steps up markedly in grade under Mickael Barzalona.
1.40 Chantilly – Cualificar and Goliath lock horns
An excellent edition of this Group 2 Grand Prix De Chantilly sees Goliath and Cualificar headline a field of six.
Andre Fabre has plunged this prize on a record twelve occasions and Cualificar looks primed to go close. A winner of the Prix Niel last season, he disappointed a little in the Arc itself but should be fitter for his narrow third in the Prix d’Harcourt last month. This 12-furlong distance will be more to his liking and he gets the vote under William Buick.
Goliath is a big danger for the red-hot Francis-Henri Graffard team. A dual Group 1 winner – including in the 2024 King George – he was runner-up in Doha in February and must be feared if fully wound up after a 106-day break. Christophe Soumillon, who partnered him to his famous Ascot win, is once again in the plate.
Goliath won the 2024 King George
British raider Eydon scored in this grade last season and, having finished a solid second to Santorini Star on his last outing, he warrants respect for the Oisin Murphy and Andrew Balding combination.
4.15 Chantilly – Mudasimah headlines Prix de Sandringham
Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy team up with Mudasimah in this Group 2 Prix de Sandringham at 4.15pm.
The daughter of Frankel was narrowly beaten in a Group 3 contest at Newmarket on her final start at two but is yet to show her best this spring. Only sixth when favourite for the Nell Gwyn in April, she failed to land a blow in the 1000 Guineas and may appreciate this drop in class.
The Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Demah burst onto the scene with an easy victory in a newcomers’ event over this course and distance and deserves a crack at this better race.
Joseph O’Brien’s Green Sense is the pick of the remainder, despite disappointing in the Goffs Million at the Curragh the last day.
Best of the rest
There’s plenty going on in the Far East earlier in the day, with legendary jockey Zac Purton just one success away from 2000 Hong Kong winners. He has a few good chances on the card and should complete the assignment today.
The 2026 renewal of the Tokyo Yunshun (Japanese Derby) looks a cracker at 7.40am, with Lovcen likely to be well-fancied after finishing third in the Japanese 2000 Guineas recently.
Also at Chantilly, Amy Murphy saddles Tokaido, who goes in search of Listed honours in the 12.30pm Prix La Fleche. This gelded son of Ubettabelieveit was exemplary over the course and distance last time and will take all the beating under Tony Piccone.
There is also two Group 3 contests to enjoy, with the Aga Khan Studs-owned Behrayna looking to back up early promise at 1.05pm before Sajir attempts to bounce back at 2.53pm.
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