In-form Rossi denies Surrey Thunder and Tuite

For much of the home straight it looked as if the large travelling support for Surrey Thunder would be celebrating a Listed winner until Talk Or Listen wore him down in the final strides to strike for Stephane Pasquier and trainer Frederick Rossi.

Not that trainer Joe Tuite was at all disappointed with the son of Le Havre, who was making his seasonal return and only a third career start.

"I think it was a very good run for his first of the season and he's tough, he's battled to the line and just got beat," said Tuite. "But it's made the journey worthwhile, with 20 members of Surrey Racing having enjoyed a nice few days over here. We'll certainly be bringing him back.

Alexis Badel and Surrey Thunder are welcomed back to the Saint-Cloud enclosure by members of the Surrey Racing ClubCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

"He doesn't mind the soft ground and I just wish we'd had the chance to get a run into him. The aim long term might be the German Derby but Alexis [Badel] said this is the perfect trip for him at the moment."

Rossi has carried on his fine form from Cagnes-sur-Mer – where Talk Or Listen had enjoyed the benefit of a couple of runs – to the start of the turf season in Paris here and this success was the highlight of a three-timer on the card.

"Today he did it very nicely and Stephane knows him by heart," said Rossi. "Beforehand we were running for third place but he hasn't stolen the race and we will probably follow the logical next step in the Prix Noailles."

The day's other feature turned into a duel between two horses owned by Wertheimer et Frere, as the Andre Fabre-trained Folamour and Vincent Cheminaud came wide and late to deny Ziyad.

Folamour and Vincent Cheminaud after winning the Listed Prix de la Porte de Madrid at Saint-CloudCredit: Racing Post / Scott Burton

Folamour had looked a big threat to Kew Gardens in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris last July before appearing not to get home, but now aged four, the son of Intello looks a much different project over a mile and a half.

"He has done well over the winter and ridden patiently like that he got the trip well," said racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureau. "I admit there was a thought about how well he stayed last year, notably after the Grand Prix de Paris but the trainer was convinced he was a horse that could be effective at 2,400 metres [a mile and a half] and as usual he was right."

Folamour was in receipt of 3lb but looks progressive, while Ziyad looks set to be stepped up in trip as the season progresses.

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