The Revenant a late non-runner as Skalleti guns for Group 1 glory

Prix d'Ispahan (Group 1) | 1m1½f [Grande Piste] | 4yo+ | SKY

The arrival of a very belated Paris spring looks set to play a major role in the outcome of a competitive Prix d'Ispahan which features several horses whose fortunes may rise or sink depending on conditions. That includes The Revenant, who was declared a late non-runner on Sunday afternoon by Henri-Francis Graffard.

Wet weather has dominated most of May and Thursday evening's meeting was run on ground described as very soft, or 4.0 on the penetrometer.

That was revised to 3.8 by Friday morning and with temperatures in the French capital topping 20 degrees on Friday and no more rain forecast, the question is how quickly it will dry out.

For Skaletti to perform at his very best, Longchamp will need to retain as much moisture as possible, while for the Charlie Hills-trained Tilsit, the sun needs to do its absolute best. Compatriot My Oberon also looks to be a horse that thrives on top of the ground.

Both are lightly raced and appear open to the sort of improvement that would put them bang there with the best of the French, but conditions will be important.

Race tactics could be important, since Skaletti is a horse that needs holding up.

The all-the-way success of Mare Australis in the Prix Ganay – a horse Skaletti beat three weeks earlier – was ample evidence that coming from off the pace when the fractions are unspectacular is tough.

Against that Skaletti is unbeaten in four runs at Longchamp and has only twice been pitched into Group 1 company.

Victor Ludorum might have a pinch more class on his very best days as he bids to emulate Persian King in winning this race at four having won a Poule d'Essai and placed in the Prix du Jockey Club the previous year.

There was plenty to like about his comeback and if he settles he will be a big threat.

Wally has a potent turn of foot but has never contested anything above Group 2 level.

What they say

André Fabre, trainer of Victor Ludorum
I was happy with the way he finished on his return and he had a good blow after a long break over the winter. He will have improved and I think I made a mistake in running him over a bit too far, but this trip should suit him.

Charlie Hills, trainer of Tilsit
We've been really pleased with him in the last few weeks and I've had this race in the back of my mind for a while. He took his trip to Saudi well and we've taken our time with him. We've been really pleased with his work.

Jérôme Reynier, trainer of Skalleti
I don't regret missing the Ganay with him. He'd had two quick trips up to Paris to take advantage of his favoured soft ground and it quickened up before that race. I think he'd have found it hard to come from behind the way the race played out on that ground. It will be quicker than ideal again but he's in very good form so we'll give it a try. Victor Ludorum looks the horse to beat whereas The Revenant and ourselves will find it tough to give their best form on this ground.

My Oberon: 'He's got quite a bit to find but nothing ventured, nothing gained'Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

William Haggas, trainer of My Oberon
I'm hoping it's going to be dry because that will work against The Revenant and Skalleti and will be in our favour. He's got quite a bit to find but nothing ventured, nothing gained. We're never going to win Group 1 races if we don't run.

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