Morrison making hay with stayers as Marmelo storms to success

Prix de Barbeville (Group 3) 1m7f | Turf | 4yo+

Marmelo surprised even Hughie Morrison after putting a decent field to the sword under a patient Christophe Soumillon, running out a two and a half length winner over Bateel with daylight back to the rest.

"Given what he achieved last year and the size and scope of him, we hoped he would improve," said Morrison. "I have got four good stayers at home – Nearly Caught; this one’s half brother Vent De Force, who lost his way last year but is back in form and Sweet Selection, who won the Cesarewitch. I’ve got to run the other three in the Sagaro on Wednesday, which is tragic really."

Edward and Christabel Goodwin of owner/breeders the Fairy Story Partnership have enjoyed their visits to France in recent years with Marmelo.

Morrison confessed he had not put Marmelo in the Gold Cup but Christabel Goodwin said she had no regrets on the matter.

She said: "Vent De Force ran in the Gold Cup and it broke his heart and ours as well. He was in front at two miles two furlongs but at two and a half he was beaten and I have never seen a horse so downhearted."

Morrison will instead look at a return trip to Chantilly for the Group 2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at the end of May, where Marmelo could face France's best stayer in Vazirabad.

"Compton Down grass gallop is fantastic for training stayers but it has been dry for six weeks so we are somewhat surprised," said Morrison. "They went a proper gallop there and I thought he might blow up."

Prix Allez France (Group 3) 1m2f | Turf | 4yo+ f/m

The Black Princess scored a first Group race success in the Prix Allez FranceCredit: Alan Crowhurst

John Gosden and Frankie Dettori have been in unstoppable form during the opening weeks of the turf season in Britain and the pair made a successful European raid when The Black Princess made every yard to land the Prix Allez France, seeing off the challenges of Armande and That Which Is Not.

"It was very straightforward because she is a nice filly and very uncomplicated," said Dettori. "She'll probably be better on softer ground and I knew she stays well, so I wasn't going to sit there with no pace."

The Black Princess was the only one of the principals to have not run this season and was carrying a 2lb penalty for her Listed success in the Prix Solitude at Saint-Cloud last November.

Dettori was off to Rome straight after the race and will attempt to complete the full set of Italian Classics at Capanelle on Monday when partnering Patriot Hero in the Premio Parioli (Italian 2,000 Guineas)