Acer Alley sets up Marcel Boussac challenge with convincing Group 3 success

The orange and yellow checked silks of Craig Bennett's Merry Fox Stud have been carried with distinction, notably by Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine Cursory Glance, and Acer Alley looked another top-class prospect when sweeping down the outside to land the Group 3 Prix la Rochette, posting a scintillating time for the final three furlongs in the process.

Trainer Francis-Henri Graffard said: "We weren't among the fancied runners but the owner gave me free rein and told me it would not be the end of the world if we were beaten today.

"It was a tough ask up against colts with quite an inexperienced filly on only her third start but I've always loved her."

The Rochette is a prep race for the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere over the same configuration of seven furlongs and the second winning post on Arc day but Acer Alley is likely to stretch out to a mile against her own sex.

Graffard added: "The race her owners dream of winning is the Prix Marcel Boussac. We ran today to find out if she's at that level and if she stays in good form we'll give it a crack."

The James Ferguson-trained El Bodegon fared best of the three British-trained runners and was only beaten half a length and a short neck in third, while New Science was short of daylight for most of the straight in fourth.

Saiydabad back in business but Arc not on agenda

Saiydabad and Christophe Soumillon were much happier back at a mile and a quarter at LongchampCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

The Aga Khan's Saiydabad returned from a disappointing effort in the Grand Prix de Paris when getting the better of Lord Charming by a short neck in the Group 3 Prix du Prince d'Orange.

"Last time out it was definitely the distance that was the problem," said trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. "I think 2,000 metres is his limit and his dam was a miler. If all goes well then he'll be supplemented for the Prix Dollar on Arc weekend."

Bubble Smart takes Gladiateur to enter Cadran picture

Bubble Smart graduated from winning a Vichy handicap to land a second blow on the day for the fillies against male opposition when battling back after being headed by Karlstad in the Prix Gladiateur.

Mikel Delzangles (left) and Ioritz Mendizabal flank Bubble Smart after her victory in the Prix Gladiateur at LongchampCredit: Racing Post/Scott Burton

"She was in really good form today and Ioritz [Mendizabal] gave her a brilliant ride, setting the perfect pace on her and then giving her a break in the false straight," said trainer Mikel Delzangles, who won the Prix du Cadran back in 2012 with another filly in Molly Malone.

"I think she'll be even better over further. The Cadran is a tough race and there will be many runners and a lot of foreigners but if she's well she could run."

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