Derby winner Mahon leads five-strong assault on French prizes

The stable of Alduino and Stefano Botti have dominated Italy's Group racing scene for many years but, with the country's racing and breeding industry lurching from one crisis to another, the father and son partnership are sending arguably their five best horses on an audacious Parisian raid this holiday weekend.

Derby Italiano winner Mac Mahon is being aimed the highest, with jockey Cristian Demuro back on board for the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (7.25pm) at Saint-Cloud on Friday night.

The son of Ramonti surged to a five-length success at Capannelle in May and is yet to taste defeat.

"It's a very important week for us but also for the Italian racing industry," said Stefano Botti, elder brother to Newmarket-based Marco.

"We have to run our horses abroad to show their worth. Mac Mahon has improved with every run and won the Derby (Italiano) very well. The Grand Prix comes at the right time for him."

Mac Mahon was purchased before the Classic by Japanese owner Takaya Shimakawa and impressed the French-based Demuro at Capannelle.

"I didn't really push him hard in the straight and he really won very easily," said Demuro, who won the Grand Prix 12 months ago aboard Mont Ormel. "If he adapts to running left-handed and can repeat his last performance, I think he has a chance in what doesn't look like a phenomenal line-up."

Saint-Cloud supporting card

The Botti's also run two other interesting candidates on Friday evening at the Parisian track.

Full Drago must concede a 3lb penalty in the Group 2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil (8.00pm) on what will be his first try at further than a mile and a half.

However he has never been worse than third in his life and his form at the stamina-biased San Siro entitles him to serious consideration.

Botti said: "He's very consistent and better than ever this season. He stays well and goes on any ground."

Earlier in the evening, Paiardina is likely to start among the favourites for the Listed Prix de Thiberville for three-year-old fillies over a mile and a half.

"She ran well when second in the Oaks (d'Italia) and the first two came clear," said Botti. "She deserves her chance in France."

Further test for the Derby form

The Botti roadshow rolls on to Maisons-Laffitte on Sunday where two of Mac Mahon's victims from the Derby Italiano will again take on Group 2 company in the Prix Eugene Adam over 1m2f.

Fabio Branca takes over on runner-up Back On Board, who made a bold bid to make all last time and stuck grimly to his task after Mac Mahon had flown.

Demuro ride Amore Hass, who finished fourth in the Classic.

Maisons-Laffitte Sunday card