One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch in France on Monday

Trainer

On the first day back of French racing it is no surprise to see Andre Fabre represented with plenty of leading chances. The biggest name among the runners for the 30-time champion trainer is Victor Ludorum, the unbeaten favourite for the French Guineas.

The son of Shamardal comes into the season following an impressive win in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere on Arc day. Victor Ludorum is certainly the one to beat in Monday's Prix de Fontainebleau (11.55) as he looks to enhance his Classic credentials.

The mob-handed Fabre is also responsible for the market leader in the French 1,000 Guineas with Tropbeau. Third at Newmarket in the Cheveley Park last time, she takes on key Classic contenders Khayzaraan, Dream And Do and stablemate Tickle Me Green in what looks a fascinating trial (12.25).

Other runners for Fabre to note include smart sprint prospect Duhail (9.55) and Syrtis, who bids for a first Group-level win in the competitive Prix d'Harcourt (1.05).

Jockey

Aurelien Lemaitre has an eyecatching selection of rides at Longchamp on Monday, especially Prix de la Grotte contender Khayzaraan.

The daughter of Kingman looked destined for the stars when blitzing her rivals at Deauville and Chantilly and her lofty reputation will be given a thorough test on Monday.

Aurelien Lemaitre: has six rides at Longchamp on Monday, the pick being KhayzaraanCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Lemaitre will also partner Devil, one of the main challengers to Victor Ludorum in the Fontainebleau (11.55). Meanwhile, Cloud Surfing is seeking a fourth consecutive victory in the Listed Prix Maurice Zilber (1.35).

Horse

Last season's Prix du Jockey Club hero Sottsass is the star name on the card as he starts a campaign geared towards the Arc. He finished third in France's biggest race last season – beaten only by Waldgeist and Enable – and bookmakers make him a 16-1 chance for this year's showpiece.

Bookmakers make him odds-on to make a winning return on Monday in the Prix D'Harcourt (1.05). Considering how impressive he looked last season, Sottsass could be picking up plenty more Group 1 prizes in 2020.

Race

There are Classic clues aplenty on the brilliant first day at Longchamp but it is the Prix de la Grotte (12.25), for the fillies, which is the hardest race to dissect.

Tropbeau (maroon silks): last seen finishing third in Newmarket's Cheveley Park StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Freddy Head-trained Khayzaraan created a huge impression with a wide-margin win last time and Tropbeau, Dream And Do and Quiet Times all have Group-class form in the book.

The puzzling Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, the French 1,000 Guineas, should look a lot clearer after Monday's race.

Read more:

Sottsass and Victor Ludorum among big names declared for Monday return

The hotshot trainers and ace jockeys you need to know in France

French fancies: five names to note on Monday's stellar comeback cards

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