Andre Fabre ace Victor Ludorum defends sky-high reputation in Jean-Luc Lagardere

Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Group 1) | 2yo | colts & fillies | 1m | SKY

He has no stakes form to his name and only made his racecourse debut five weeks ago, but such is his reputation – not to mention the towering record of his trainer Andre Fabre – that Victor Ludorum is likely to be a strong favourite to make the step up to Group 1 level with ease.

Fabre has already produced Earthlight to win the Prix Morny and the Middle Park this season and Victor Ludorum was considered his equal in the spring.

The master trainer has taken his time with the son of Shamardal but, after overcoming babyish tendencies on debut at Longchamp, turned him around just 13 days later to gain valuable extra experience in a conditions race at Chantilly.

Both races were won by an easy three and a half lengths and Victor Ludorum looks a very exciting prospect, though Fabre is far from convinced this week's rain has aided his cause.

Fabre said: "He was still green at Chantilly and heavy ground could be a problem for him, but he is in very good form."

Armory a test for Pinatubo form

One reason Earthlight was sent to Newmarket for the six-furlong Middle Park was to leave the Dewhurst way clear for Pinatubo.

Armory already has wins at Group 3 and Group 2 levelCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Armory was Pinatubo's most recent victim in the National Stakes, coming off on the wrong end of a nine-length beating, but before that he moved smoothly through the ranks with victories in the Tyros and Futurity Stakes.

O'Brien said: "He has progressed with every run and ran a good race in the National Stakes last time. He should have no problem going a mile for the first time."

What the rest say

Jean-Pierre Carvalho, trainer of Alson
This is a good opportunity for him to run in a Group 1 over this type of trip because the competition becomes much stiffer at three. The horse is very well and I hope he can be there at the finish.

Frederic Rossi, trainer of Kenway
He's worked very well and has taken his last race well, when he really pleased me with the way he did it. He had already won well at Vichy the time before on a Listed race that was above average.

Jean-Claude Rouget, trainer of Helter Skelter
Helter Skelter is up against some very good horses and is up in class, but I think he’s a good horse.

Carlos Laffon-Parias, trainer of Ecrivain
He didn’t understand anything on debut and was much more switched on the second time. He is up in class here and he is by Lope De Vega out of a Monsun mare so I don’t see the ground bothering him.

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