'It was one of the strongest races I can remember and he can frank the form' - James Stevens on another feast of ITV action

What’s the big story?

Half a dozen challengers from Britain and Ireland will join a strong bunch of French-trained colts lining up at Chantilly for the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club (3.05), which kick-starts a phenomenal month of Flat racing.

Aidan O'Brien will be to the fore in the major races at Epsom and Royal Ascot to come, but before then has a leading chance of French Derby glory with Camille Pissarro.

O'Brien has saddled only one previous winner of the Chantilly Classic, however, namely St Mark's Basilica in 2021, and there are any number of promising types taking on Camille Pissarro and stablemate Trinity College.

Ridari, an eyecatching fifth, two places behind Camille Pissarro in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, is among the top contenders bidding to keep the prize on home soil.

Who wins the French Derby?

Ridari might be the one to beat if he steps forward, but Bowmark has shown some flashes of real class in his three starts and appeals at a double-figure price for John and Thady Gosden.

He looks like a ten-furlong horse in the making and has the chance to prove it here and build on his solid form over a mile, including when just beaten in the Burradon Stakes at Newcastle. That was probably one of the strongest all-weather races I can remember and he can frank the form.

Bowmark15:05 Chantilly

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Jky: Tom Marquand Tnr: John & Thady Gosden

What is the highlight on ITV4?

It is round three of the Sunday Series at Chelmsford and two horses will bid to take a step closer to the £100,000 bonus for recording three wins across the series.

Spring Is Sprung is the first out and looks to follow up his Newmarket win for Paul Midgley (5.45), while Be Frank was another winner at the same meeting and runs in the finale (6.45).

The 7f handicap (5.15) is the £50,000 highlight and looks an incredibly open contest, with three 8-1 co-favourites in the early markets for the 16-runner race.

Who’s the best bet of the day?

Isle Of Lismore could be a bit of each-way value in the 5f handicap (5.45) at Chelmsford. He has not got the best recent form figures but has shown enough on his first two starts of 2025 and, crucially, tends to improve after a couple of runs back.

This race should be run at a fast pace, with plenty of front-runners in there, and he is an extremely strong traveller who looks thrown in off 76 should he return to his best. This time last season he was running well off a stone higher.

His trainer Robert Cowell, who also runs possible favourite Agostino for the same connections, is in good form and David Egan is an eyecatching booking.

Isle Of Lismore17:45 Chelmsford (A.W)

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Jky: David Egan Tnr: Robert Cowell

Sunday's ITV schedule

3.45 Chelmsford Enter ITV7 For Free Apprentice Handicap, 6f, 4yo+
4.00 Nottingham Sky Bet, For The Fans Fillies' Handicap, 5f, 3yo+
4.15 Chelmsford Sky Bet Club Restricted Maiden Stakes 6f, 2yo
4.30 Nottingham Sky Bet Extra Places Every Day Handicap, 1m6f, 4yo+
4.45 Chelmsford Sky Bet Extra Places Handicap, 1m6f, 4yo+
5.00 Nottingham Sky Bet Build A Bet Fillies' Handicap, 1m½f, 3yo+
5.15 Chelmsford Sky Bet Price Boosts Handicap, 7f, 4yo+
5.30 Nottingham Sky Bet Club Handicap, 1m½f, 4yo+
5.45 Chelmsford Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap, 5f, 4yo+
6.15 Chelmsford Sky Bet Build A Bet Fillies' Handicap, 1m2f, 3yo+
6.45 Chelmsford Sky Bet Proud To Support ROR Handicap, 1m, 4yo+

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