French Derby on the cards for Modern Games after French Guineas success

The 2022 Flat season is in full swing after the first two Classics, the 2,000 Guineas and 1,000 Guineas.

Attention now turns towards Epsom with the Cazoo Derby and Oaks next month, as well as the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly, and market movers come thick and fast as the key Classic trials continue to be run. Our Classic Clues series has you covered.

Here's a recap of the action on Sunday and how it has impacted the Classic betting, while we mark your card with key names to note throughout the week.

Sunday round-up: Modern Games wins the French 2,000 Guineas

Godolphin and Charlie Appleby enjoyed yet more Classic glory this season as Modern Games was an impressive victor in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp.

The powerful duo, who landed the English 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket with Coroebus late last month, teamed up once again to perfection with last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner, who stormed home under William Buick, winning by one and a quarter lengths.

The son of Dubawi could have more Classic ambitions in his sights with connections keen on a return to France next month for the Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly.

While he may be stepping up in trip for the first time, he was cut to 2-1 (from 7-2) with both Paddy Power and Betfair for the French Classic.

Mangoustine narrowly denied the brave Cachet in the French 1,000 Guineas, but the Mikel Delzangles-trained star is unlikely to bid for more Classic success and is likely to head to the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot next.

What they say

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Modern Games

"I've always had it in the back of my mind that this horse may get a little bit further and I'd like to think he'd be a French Derby type, but I'm not saying for sure."

William Buick, rider of Modern Games

"It's hard to say if he'll stay, but you don't find out until you try. There's bits and bobs in his pedigree that suggest he would stay and you'd certainly have to have a crack. It's the logical step."

Market movers

Prix du Jockey Club

Modern Games 2-1 (from 7-2, Betfair and Paddy Power)

All eyes on. . . last-gasp Classic clues?

There is next to nothing in action on the track tomorrow which is likely to shake up the Classic picture, but it could be a week where last-gasp attempts are decided down the line.

Snow Fairy was the last to do the Height Of Fashion Stakes and Cazoo Oaks double in 2010. Wide-margin Kempton novice winner Emotion may begin the week as a rank outsider for Epsom, but could hopes be raised throughout the week before her possible tilt in the Listed contest (2.10) on Friday?

Lone Eagle won the Cocked Hat Stakes (3.20) on the same card last year before his narrow defeat in the Irish Derby, but Derby dreams for connections of Lysander still remain in tact on Monday.

As heard from our Newmarket gallops man on Saturday, a key decision on whether top juvenile Inspiral will take her place in Sunday's Irish 1,000 Guineas could be made today or later in the week.

The Classic picture is all but wrapped up, but there may just be some more small surprises in store.

Now read these . . .

Emphatic victory to remain unbeaten - who earned our performance of the week?

'Ancient Rome ran a race full of promise with a view to the French Derby'

Ebro River bidding to put himself back in Royal Ascot picture on Chantilly raid

Don't miss the Racing Post Royal Ascot Guide 2022. Only £14.99, the 192-page guide is packed with tips and information for the five-day festival of top-class Flat racing, including profiles of the leading horses and the lowdown on the top trainers and jockeys. Order your copy here or call 01933 304858.