Fahey out to maintain fine record in France

Prix du Muguet (Group 2) |4yo+ | 1m | ATR

While the Ganay may be on loan to Saint-Cloud during the reconstruction of Longchamp, this race occupies its usual place in space and time.

Jimmy Two Times was campaigned as a sprinter by Andre Fabre for much of last year but showed he has strengthened up well over the winter when running away from a smart field over course and distance in the Group 3 Prix Edmond Blanc, since when he has been acquired by Godolphin.

Stablemate and companion-in-colours Usherette enjoyed a fine season in 2016 until underperforming in the Falmouth Stakes and is arguably the most interesting runner here.

Fabre said of the pair: "Usherette clearly has the class to win a race like this, but she is making her seasonal debut and will probably need this race more than some of the others. She has done well. Jimmy Two Times is coming into this in great form, having won his prep race in pleasing style. Any forecast rain will be a bonus for him."

Godolphin also field Toscanini, who moved from Michael Halford to Richard Fahey over the winter and was fourth on his comeback, a first try at a mile.

Fahey said: "We were very pleased with Toscanini’s first run for us at Doncaster and we have been very happy with him since.

Among the notable runners making their first start of the campaign are Al Shaqab's Karar – a fine second to Limato in the Prix de la Foret last October – and Siyoushake, who confirmed herself among the leading older fillies in Europe over a mile.

"It's her comeback but she has done plenty of work and I think she's ready to do herself justice," said trainer Freddy Head. "If we get anymore rain that will help. She is certainly up to this level and could still be improving at five."