Condon confident of bold show from Romanised in Criterium test

British and Irish-trained two year-olds dominate the line-up for the Group 2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte (1.10), a race which has gone for export in two of the last three years.

The Charlie Hills-trained Nebo – the mount of Olivier Peslier – comes here instead of the Dewhurst over seven furlongs, having finished third behind James Garfield at Newbury on his most recent start.

Robert Ng's Romanised had his form behind Masar boosted on Arc weekend while frequent French visitor Harry Dunlop relies on Fighting Irish.

The home defence consists of Coeur De Beaute and French Pegasus, who were both held by the Charlie Appleby-trained Sound And Silence in the Group 3 Prix Eclipse over course and distance last month.

Nebo (yellow cap) made Gustav Klimt pull out all the stops in the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket in JulyCredit: Edward Whitaker

What they say

Harry Dunlop, trainer of Fighting Irish
He won really nicely at Yarmouth and some of his form before that is quite good. We're well aware it's a big step up from a nursery but we'll give it a go.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Nebo
There are only five runners in France, so it looks a more appealing option than taking on Expert Eye and the rest in the Dewhurst. He ran his best race in the Mill Reef, so we’re happy keeping him at six furlongs for now.

Ken Condon, trainer of Romanised
We've been happy with him since his second in the Solario Stakes and Masar, who beat him at Sandown, didn't let the form down when a good third in the Lagardere. He's dropping in trip but that isn't a concern as he shows us plenty of pace at home. He travelled over well and soft ground shouldn't be a problem although we wouldn't want it to get heavy.

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