Space Blues and D'Bai among British challengers for early start at Longchamp

Charlie Appleby has enjoyed much success over the years at Longchamp and is double-handed in the Prix de la Porte Maillot (10.10am), the second of two Group 3s on the ten-race card.

The first, the La Coupe, was won by the Hughie Morrison-trained Telecaster, who outclassed his rivals with a smooth success.

Appleby is running the classy Space Blues, who was a smooth winner of a Listed contest at Haydock on his return to action this month. He will be ridden by Mickael Barzalona.

Space Blues (blue) second to Space Traveller in the Jersey Stakes last yearCredit: Mark Cranham

The four-year-old was Group 1 placed last year, including when second to Too Darn Hot in the Prix Jean Prat at Deauville, and should be well suited by this turning seven furlongs.

Space Blues is joined by D'Bai (Christophe Soumillon) in the eight- runner contest, the latter finishing sixth behind his stablemate at Haydock.

Appleby said: "It's great to be able to send horses over to France again, they left this morning and are travelling by road. It's tricky with all the restrictions but thankfully we have the manpower to overcome them."

On the chances of his pair, Appleby added: "Space Blues has been placed a few times at Group 1 level so hopefully should find this less demanding and we were pleased with his comeback win at Haydock.

"He goes there a live contender and D'bai would not be without a chance either as he wasn't beaten far at Haydock and has come on since."

Among the home representatives is Azano, twice a winner for John Gosden, including in a Group 3 at Chantilly last summer, before switching to Francis Graffard.

Graffard said: "He is in good form. I think the long straight will help because the only issue with this horse is how he manages the bend. He can be a bit keen and I hope he can get a breather around the turn before accelerating."

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