Flop Shot enters Classic picture after impressive Guiche victory at Chantilly

Prix de Guiche (Group 3) 3yo colts & geldings

The size of the challenge mounted on this season's French Classics by both Andre Fabre and owner-breeders Alain and Gerard Wertheimer took another big step forward on Monday as Flop Shot emerged as a colt with major potential over middle-distances.

The son of New Approach barely came off the bridle in handing a three-length defeat to stablemate Syrtis and looks a prime contender for next month's Qipco Prix du Jockey Club over an extra furlong and a half of the same track.

Flop Shot would need to be supplemented and the owners already have one leading challenger for that race with Slalom – also trained by Fabre – while another could emerge if Shaman runs up to expectations in the French 2,000 Guineas on Sunday.

"We're very happy and he hasn't done anything wrong so far," said the Wertheimers' racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureau. "He showed a really nice turn of foot against a proper field of promising horses. It was a proper test and now we will take our time to reflect on what comes next."

The William Haggas-trained Insandi stayed on to be third under James Doyle on his seasonal reappearance, having been bought by the Tsui family's Sunderland Holdings from the Wertheimers at last October's Arc sale.

Prix des Lilas (Listed) 3yo fillies

Obligate put in a powerful display to make all under Pierre-Charles Boudot and book a slot in the Group 2 Prix de Sandringham back here on Jockey Club day next month.

The daughter of Frankel made light of the soft ground and easily held off Pure Zen, while Gypsy Spirit repaid the enterprise of Newmarket trainer Tom Clover back in third.

"She is a good filly, though she isn't an easy ride and hasn't been straightforward to train," said winning handler Pascal Bary. "She has a great stride on her and you don't want to interfere with that otherwise she can be keen."

Bary also confirmed that Study Of Man had come out of the Prix Ganay in good shape, in which he finished second, and will next be seen in the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp on May 26.

Gypsy Spirit was last seen when seventh in the Fred Darling at Newbury last month, and she delighted Clover with her effort back in third.

"That is a third bit of black type for her and it's great that she gets the mile," said Clover.

"It would be nice to now win a Listed with her, but she has brought us a huge amount of fun for a six-grand filly owned by a nice bunch of people in the syndicate.

"There is the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot to think about – we will have to see. She is very tough and tries her heart out."

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