'Ancient Rome ran a race full of promise with a view to the French Derby'

It was a busy Sunday at Longchamps with the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and Poule d'Essai des Poulains taking centre stage.

Modern Games justified favouritism in the latter to score another win for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby, while Mangoustine sprung a slight surprise in the former and denied Cachet a rare 1,000 Guineas double having won at Newmarket two weeks ago.

But what did our experts make of the two races from France and who caught their eye?

The Poulains was all about the winner, who will almost certainly improve for the run and is a serious colt for the rest of the season.

The one to take out of the fillies' race is Rosacea. Winner of the Prix de la Grotte last month, the form of that race largely worked out in the Pouliches, so for Rosacea to finish only fourth was disappointing.

She was impressive held up off the pace in the Grotte, but they rode her differently this time and it didn't work as she was too keen, blunting her turn of foot at the business end. I don't think you'll see her ridden like that again, and she's a filly I'll be following in Group 1s.
James Hill, tipster

French 2,000 Guineas fourth Ancient Rome did his best work at the end of the mile and ran a race full of promise with a view to the French Derby.

Andre Fabre's last two Prix du Jockey Club winners bounced back from defeat in the Poulains – New Bay in 2015 and Intello in 2013 – and the Coolmore-owned colt has every chance of following suit.

Closely related to Derby winner Pour Moi, Ancient Rome is clearly held in the highest regard and with the French Derby offering a greater test of stamina, ante-post quotes of 14-1 with bet365 and Coral look attractive.
Andrew Dietz, reporter

Times Square, already Group 1-placed when second in last season's Prix Marcel Boussac, was narrowly denied Classic glory when just behind Mangoustine and Newmarket heroine Cachet.

A daughter of the Aga Khan Stud's exciting second-season sire Zarak – himself a top middle-distance performer who won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud – she is related to a number of speedy types but perhaps can make amends with a step up in trip later in the season.

Farhh colt Tribalist took his first step into top-level company in his stride when third in the colts' equivalent and proved resolute at the finish. He's from a fine family which includes juvenile Group 1 scorer Crowded House and top-class and durable sprinter Brando.
Kitty Trice, bloodstock reporter

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