John Gosden double-handed as he attempts to win first Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud

4.00 Saint Cloud
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Group 1) | 1m4f, 4yo+ | Sky

Last year's runner-up Coronet attempts to go one better in this Group 1 contest, in which the John Gosden-trained mare and stablemate Lah Ti Dar feature among five British-trained runners in the seven-strong field.

Coronet has been kept in training this season in a bid to win a Group 1, and this edition of the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud looks weaker than when she was narrowly denied by Waldgeist 12 months ago.

The five-year-old, who is the choice of Frankie Dettori, has been seen just once this year when finishing fourth to Communique in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket, in which subsequent Group 1 winner Defoe was second.

Coronet may well have needed the run that day but has been thriving in her recent work alongside Lah Ti Dar.

Coronet (near side) just gets touched off in this race last year

Lah Ti Dar, who was a late absentee from the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, could not handle the undulations at Epsom when last seen, disappointing when crossing the line in sixth in the Group 1 Coronation Cup.

The four-year-old is also out to grab a first top-level win and went mighty close last year when runner-up in the St Leger and third in the Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

In an attempt to minimise the affects of the heatwave in France, Gosden's pair travelled across on Friday, and the trainer said: "Obviously it's going to be hot over there and both fillies are already at the track having travelled through the night on Friday.

"It's a pity they have to run against each other, but the objective is to win a Group 1. They are both in good form and the management do a good job with the ground, so hopefully it won't be too quick despite the temperatures."

Brits have three more bites at the cherry

Thundering Blue, Aspetar and Marmelo are also in the mix for the Brits, with Marmelo another who travelled overnight to France on Friday.

The six-year-old often runs abroad but has had his first two outings of the season on home turf, kicking off with a win in a Group 3 at Newbury.

Marmelo then ran a decent fifth at this level in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. Trainer Hughie Morrison said: "Realistically, looking at the weather, the ground will probably be a bit quick for him but he enjoys going left-handed and the uphill finish should also suit him.

Marmelo (middle): might find the ground too quickCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"He's effective at a mile and a half and he's not as slow as everyone thinks."

Aspetar, trained by Roger Charlton, accounted for the reopposing French colt Ziyad in the Group 2 Grand Prix de Chantilly last time.

Thundering Blue completes the British team for Frenchman David Menuisier, and was last seen finishing third in a Listed contest at Goodwood last month.

Morgan heads home team

Heading the home defence is Morgan Le Faye, who continues her renaissance as a leading middle-distance performer and will likely be sent off favourite.

The five-year-old Shamardal mare has excelled since being dropped back in trip by trainer Andre Fabre, winning all three starts this year, including an emphatic two-length victory in the Group 2 Prix Corrida over 1m2½f at this venue last month.

Morgan Le Faye has yet to score at Group 1 level but has finished third on her two previous attempts in the Prix du Cadran and Prix Royal-Oak last year.

Lisa-Jane Graffard, spokeswoman for Godolphin, said: "Morgan Le Faye came out of the Prix Corrida in great form, hence the decision to aim her at this Group 1.

"After winning a Group 3 and a Group 2 this year, she deserves to step up to this level and we're looking forward to seeing how she gets on.

"She has been winning over shorter distances this season, but has run well over further in the past, so racing over a mile and a half shouldn’t pose any issues.

"If she runs up to her best, she will have a great chance. She will need to improve slightly if she's to win, though."

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