PartialLogo
International

All the key quotes as British and Irish trainers target the Chantilly undercard

Outside of the Qipco Prix du Jockey Club there are plenty of chances for British and Irish trainers to strike in three high-quality Group 2s on the supporting card.

Unusually, Major Jumbo is the sole UK-based runner in the Prix du Gros-Chene (2.05 Sky) but, against just four rivals, Kevin Ryan's representitive may well face an easier task than when chasing home Invincible Army and Mab's Cross on his two most recent starts.

"He's in great form and is so consistent," said Ryan. "He's versatile both in terms of ground and whichever way you want to ride him. I just hope the ground doesn't dry out too much."

Wayne Lordan does not have a ride in the Jockey Club but his ability to do light weights means he gets the call from Aidan O'Brien for Gossamer Wings, who as the only three-year-old filly in the line-up receives all the allowances.

Matematica (white sleeves) just misses out in last season's Prix Marcel Boussac
Matematica (white sleeves) just misses out in last season's Prix Marcel BoussacCredit: Edward Whitaker

Hidden Message and Glance both have a little to find on form with Poule d'Essai fifth Matematica in the Prix de Sandringham (1.30 Sky) but both look open to improvement in a race which invariably goes to a useful filly.

Fourth last time out to Muchly at Ascot, Hidden Message represents Qatar Racing and trainer William Haggas, who said: "It's a step up in class but she's quite useful and I fancied a go at it. She should run well."

The Ralph Beckett-trained Glance is likely to come forward for her comeback third at York to Magnetic Charm and is from a family that improves with age.

The Prix d'Hedouville last month looks the key piece of form in the Grand Prix de Chantilly (2.40 Sky), with Petit Fils and Folamour pulling clear of their rivals at Longchamp.

On that occasion, Aspetar did not pick up as expected when fifth but he is is back for another crack at the principals.

Trainer Roger Charlton said: "He was disappointing at Longchamp and was never quite running the same way as before that at Newbury.

"We found no real excuses. We think he probably wants soft ground – which he won’t get – but he seems in good form and there isn’t anything he can run in for a month or so. If he runs like he did at Newbury he has a chance."


Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com


France correspondent

Published on inInternational

Last updated

iconCopy