Fabre aims five at the French Guineas as principals all head for Deauville
Nine colts and 12 fillies have been declared for the first two European Classics of the season, the Emirates-sponsored Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Pouliches.
Andre Fabre will be strongly represented in both races, with Alson set to join ante-post favourite Victor Ludorum and Coolmore's Arapaho in the Poulains, rather than wait five days for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Alson had been backed for Newmarket after Fabre had highlighted him as a possible for the Guineas earlier this month.
But the difficulties surrounding travelling and the long-running uncertainty over whether British racing would resume as scheduled next week, as well as the transfer of the French Classics from Longchamp to the straight mile at Deauville have changed calculations for a number of owners and trainers in the last three weeks.
"The Guineas was never more than an option," said Fabre. "It became clear some time ago we couldn't travel."
Frankie Dettori rode Alson to his Group 1 success last October on the son of Areion's last start for trainer Jean-Pierre Carvalho but with quarantine restrictions in place, Vincent Cheminaud takes the ride.
Ladbrokes reacted to the news of Alson's declaration by cutting him into 9-2 (from 6) for Monday's race.
Tropbeau has been favourite for the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches ever since a cosy victory in the Prix de la Grotte at Longchamp and will line up alongside stablemate Tickle Me Green.
Chief market rival Simeen and last year's Pric Marcel Boussac runner-up Marieta have also been declared.
Mauricio Delcher-Sanchez is one trainer who is far from happy with the decision not to attempt to replicate the Longchamp version of the two Classics around a right-hand turn, despite the fact Marieta enjoyed two wins last year on the straight course at Maisons-Laffitte.
"I am a bit surprised they never thought of running on the round course," said Delcher. "The Poules d'Essai in France are traditionally run around a turn and the 1,600 metre [mile] track at Deauville gives you the entire length of the back straight for the field to sort themselves out. I don't see the interest in running it over the straight course, and they could have at least consulted the professionals."
The Poulains and Pouliches were run over the straight course at Deauville in 2016 and 2017 during the redevelopment of Longchamp.
Read more:
Hopes rise for return of racing to Chantilly while Paris tracks may have to wait
Green or red? French racing rushes to reallocate meetings after Paris shutdown
Paris tracks face shock lockdown as government changes Covid-19 policy
Racecourse guides: essential insight into the French tracks back in business
The Racing Post newspaper will be back in shops to mark the return of British racing on Monday, June 1! With extensive coverage of all the racing, interviews with the biggest names, tipping from our renowned experts, writing from the likes of Alastair Down and all the cards and form, it's your unmissable guide to all the action. Pick up your copy on Monday.
Published on 29 May 2020inFrance
Last updated 19:05, 29 May 2020
- Ace miler Big Rock leaves Christopher Head as leading owner Yeguada Centurion move their horses to Maurizio Guarnieri
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- 'I was that far clear - it was quite something' - Olivier Peslier provides a rundown of his four Arc-winning rides
- Crypto Force '50-50' to run in Prix Ganay on Sunday as Amo Derby hopeful Dallas Star features at second entry stage for Epsom
- 'He built bridges like no-one else' - Olivier Peslier's long-time British agent leads tributes on retirement of riding great
- Ace miler Big Rock leaves Christopher Head as leading owner Yeguada Centurion move their horses to Maurizio Guarnieri
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- 'I was that far clear - it was quite something' - Olivier Peslier provides a rundown of his four Arc-winning rides
- Crypto Force '50-50' to run in Prix Ganay on Sunday as Amo Derby hopeful Dallas Star features at second entry stage for Epsom
- 'He built bridges like no-one else' - Olivier Peslier's long-time British agent leads tributes on retirement of riding great