Sottsass takes first steps towards the Arc in Group 3 test

Sottsass is the main attraction in the Group 3 Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club (2.50) which connections have opted for as the start of a two-act prep for the Arc.

A gritty winner of the Group 1 Prix Ganay in late June, Sottsass must shoulder a penalty for that success and is unlikely to be fully wound up after a break of 62 days with much bigger fish to fry in the autumn.

Trainer Jean-Claude Rouget said: "After the Prix Ganay he had a quiet time of it for three weeks before building up to a comeback here.

"He will have a couple of options ahead of the Arc, including the Irish Champion Stakes. That would boost his stallion value, but I won't be alone in deciding, we will sit down with Peter Brant and Coolmore after this."

Motamarris, third behind Sottsass in last year's Prix du Jockey Club, and Skalleti, third to Persian King in the Group 2 Prix du Muguet last time, will provide a stern enough test for Rouget's star.

The trainer also saddles Simeen in the day's other Group 3, the Prix de Lieurey (3.25) in which the Richard Hannon-trained 1,000 Guineas runner-up Cloak Of Spirits runs.

Hannon said: "She ran very well at Epsom, I've been very happy with her since and she's had a nice break. This is one of the last races for three-year-old fillies only and it's a nice pot for her. She's not drawn very well, but we have the assistance of Olivier Peslier so I'm hoping she'll run well."

Charlie Appleby's Althiqa, third behind One Master in the Oak Tree Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, further strengthens a raiding party that is supplemented by Roger Varian's Fooraat.

Appleby said: "Althiqa ran above expectations at Goodwood and we feel that the step up to a mile is going to suit. She doesn't look out of place in this field and a repeat of her last run will make her very competitive."

Two British raiders will not be taking part in the Lieurey. The Archie Watson-trained Parent's Prayer and Charlie Fellowes' Royal Ascot winner Onassis are both non-runners.

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